A woman lost her engagement ring when she fell victim to an attempted robbery on Boxing Day.

The 18-year-old woman was walking across the pedestrian bridge on the Witham River Walk at 9.15am when she was accosted by a man who attempted to snatch her purse.

There was a struggle and the man ran off without the purse. After he had fled the victim noticed her diamond engagement ring was missing.

Her attacker is described as white, between 5ft 4ins and 5ft 6ins tall, in his early 20s and slim with short, dark, swept-back hair.

He was wearing blue denim jeans, a black polo jumper, white jacket and white trainers.

Det Con Barry Johnson, of Witham police, said: "Thankfully the victim was not seriously hurt but she was extremely traumatised by the attack."

Anyone with information should call Witham police on 01376 501212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Published Thursday December 27, 2001