An 81-year-old needed hospital treatment after being shoved to the ground by a robber who snatched her bag.
Police described the attack as "despicable" and are appealing for witnesses who were in the Prittlewell Chase area of Westcliff at around 12.10pm yesterday.
The woman was walking home when a man came from behind, pushed her to the pavement and ran off towards Fairfax Drive with her bag, which contained £60 cash, keys and letters.
She was taken to Southend Hospital with grazes on her knee and a bruised and swollen hand.
PC Richard Day said: "This was a despicable offence and a terrible experience for the elderly victim.
"I hope someone will be able to lead us to the robber."
The mugger is white, aged 18 to 20, 6ft tall and slim. He wore a long, black leather coat and a white woolly hat.
Anyone with information should call PC Day on 01702 431212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously,on 0800 555111
Published Tuesday, February 25, 2003
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