A pensioner was hit in the chest by a thief who then stole her handbag in a Chesham charity shop last week. 

The woman in her seventies was in the Helen & Douglas House charity shop in the High Street at around 3pm when the shocking incident happened. 

Heroic members of the public chased down the thief after he fled down the High Street, past Chesham Library and Sainsbury's but he managed to get away. 

Fortunately, the woman who was hit did not need to go to hospital. 

The man who attacked her is described as white, around 20-years-old and about 5ft 6ins tall. 

He was of slim build with long dark hair and was dressed in a light brown jacket, light coloured jogging trousers, trainers and a grey woollen hat.

Designated investigator Amanda Long, of the Investigation Hub at Amersham police station, said: “This was a particularly traumatic experience for the victim in this case, an elderly woman who was hit in the chest.

“We are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward and help us with our investigation.”

Call 101 quoting reference number 43190029359 or give information anonymously on 0800 555 111.