A WOMAN was punched to the floor in a bookmakers when a man tried to steal her winnings.

The 57-year-old victim had left Corals bookmakers in High Wycombe with £400 of winnings when the man approached her from an alleyway.

He tried to snatch her handbag but the woman bravely managed to hold onto it.

The man then punched her in the back, knocking her to the floor and ran off towards the Octagon shopping centre after she started shouting for help.

Police have just released details of the robbery attempt in Bull Lane, which happened at around 7pm on Friday, and are now appealing for witnesses.

PC Daniel MacKenzie, investigating, said: "Fortunately the victim managed to hold on to her bag, which was brave of her and she did not lose her winnings.

"However she was left shaken by the incident and we need to trace the offender so he can not offend again in the future."

The man is described as black, in his twenties, between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins, medium to large build and was wearing a black hooded top with thin white stripes on the arms.

Call police on 08458 505 505 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.