A WOMAN was punched in the chest before her purse and scratch card were stolen during a daylight robbery.

The incident took place around 12.50pm on Sunday at the bus stop on Cunningham Crescent, near to the doctor’s surgery.

A 65-year-old Bournemouth woman was standing at the bus stop waiting for a bus to Winton.

As she stood there, she took out a scratch card from her purse and used a 20 pence piece to scratch it but became aware of a man stood next to her.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Without speaking, he punched her in the chest, stole her purse and the scratch card before running off in the direction of Moore Avenue. The purse contained cash, bank cards, a bus pass and a phone card.”

The victim was not injured in the attack.

The offender is described as white, between 15 and 16 years old, five feet three inches tall and of slim build. He was clean shaven with brown hair cut in a crew cut style and was wearing a black long sleeved jacket and blue jeans.

Detective Constable Emma Hawkes, of Bournemouth CID, said: “Although the victim was not injured she was left very shocked by the attack. She has also suffered a lot of inconvenience by the loss.

“I am keen to speak to anyone who may have seen this incident or has any information that can assist with the investigation. I urge witnesses and anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible.

“All calls are treated with the strictest confidence.”

There have been no arrests.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 10:188.