A robber sliced an elderly woman's hand as they battled over a handbag.
The victim was walking in Affleck Road in Greenstead, Colchester, when a woman in her 20s tried to snatch the bag.
She courageously clung on to it so her attacker pulled out a knife, or razor blade, and tried to cut the straps.
But she missed and instead caused a three-inch cut to the back of the pensioner's hand.
Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Colchester CID, said the victim of the callous attack was very brave.
But he added that keeping hold of property is not always the best thing to do as people, particulary the elderly, can be pulled over and break bones.
The robber was described as white, in her 20s, of a medium build and had brown hair in a ponytail.
She was wearing a dark anorak and trousers and detectives believe she may live in the Greenstead area.
Anyone with information should call Colchester police on 01206 762212
Published Thursday, December 12, 2002
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