AN elderly woman suffered cuts and bruises when she was pulled to the ground by a callous robber who stole her handbag.

The incident happened around 12.45pm on Friday in Station Road, Ashley Cross.

The victim - a woman aged in her 80s - was walking up the road in the direction of Parkstone Railway Station, when she was approached by the offender.

He grabbed her handbag, but the victim tried to hold onto it. He then used force to pull the victim to the ground, before taking her purse and running toward the Sandbanks Road area.

The woman suffered cuts and bruises during the incident.

The offender is described as a white man, around six feet one inch tall and of slim build. He was wearing a dark hooded top.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Andy Haworth, of Bournemouth CID, said: "This was a very distressing incident for the victim that occurred in the middle of the day in a very busy area of the town.

"I would also ask residents in the area to check their gardens, yards or bins as we believe the offender may have discarded the purse locally.

I would ask that anyone who spots such an item does not touch it, but reports it to police immediately."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55170043122.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.