A HEARTLESS yob pushed an elderly woman off a bench and stole her bag before running off in broad daylight.

Police are appealing for information after a woman in her 80s was robbed near Cliff Park, in Dovercourt, between 10.30am and 11am on Monday. *January 14*

She was sitting on a bench at the water front near the park when a man came up to her and pushed her.

It caused her to fall and hit her head on the bench before the thug made off with her bag.

The man has been described as wearing dark grey clothing and a dark-coloured, woollen beanie-style hat and ran off up the concrete steps.

Luckily, the victim did not suffer serious injuries.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "It is believed the man may have been hanging around the area for some time before the incident took place and we need to speak to anyone who may have seen him.

"If you have any information please call us on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/7240/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."