A WOMAN in her 80s has been the victim of a handbag snatch in Poole town centre.

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to the theft, which took place at 10.20am on Monday near Falkland Square, to come forward.

The local woman was walking to the square from a bus stop when a man ran towards her, stumbled and grabbed her handbag off her shopping trolley.

She was not injured and he ran off towards the George Roundabout with the bag which contained cash, bank cards and some personal items.

PC Simon Young of Poole police said: “This was a callous and targeted attack on an elderly victim.”

Police have issued a CCTV image of the suspect who is white, in his mid 20s, approximately 5ft 7ins tall, of medium build with dark brown short hair. He was wearing a brown North Face jacket with a white motif, black baseball cap with white motif on the front, blue jeans and white trainers.

“Anyone with any information that can help the investigation is asked to call Dorset police on 101 as soon as possible,” said PC Young.