A WOMAN has been grabbed and her pushed to the floor in an alleged attempted robbery where she hit her attacker with her walking stick and fled.

At around 9am this morning, the victim, a woman aged her 50s, was walking along an alleyway that runs from Barnes Close to Salisbury Road, behind Damory Garage, Blandford, when she felt someone grab hold of the back of her neck.

She was pushed to the floor by a man, who attempted to steal a chain from around her neck but was unsuccessful. The man also told the victim to give him her ring, but she struck him with her walking stick and he fled the scene.

The man is described as white, aged in his 30s and around five feet seven inches tall.

Detective Inspector Nicky Jenkins, of Weymouth CID, said: “This was a very distressing incident for the victim and we have launched a full investigation to try and identify the man responsible.

“I would urge any witnesses, or anyone with information that might assist our investigation, to please come forward.

“I would also ask anyone who was driving near to the garage around the time of the incident to please check their dashcam footage for anything of relevance.”

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 55210115134. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.