A woman in her thirties was grabbed by an unknown man before the thief stole her handbag in an early morning robbery in Milton Keynes yesterday.

At 7.55am on Wednesday (October 28), the woman was walking along the footpath between Eridge Green and Smarden Bell in Kents Hill.

She when she was approached by an unknown male, who grabbed the woman and broke the strap of her handbag.

The man stole the handbag and its contents, including cash and a number of debit and credit cards, from the woman.

The offender is described as black, between 16 and 18 years-old, and between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 9ins tall, with a slim, athletic build.

He was wearing a black padded jacket with the hood pulled up and dark grey tracksuit bottoms. He may also have been wearing a grey backpack with black straps.

Investigating officer PC Christopher Smart, based at Milton Keynes police station, said: “I am appealing to anyone who has any information about this incident to come forward.

“This was a frightening experience for the victim, which took place while she was walking to work. I am investigating this as a priority and would ask anyone who was driving in the area at the time to check their dash cam footage and to get in touch if they can help with my investigation.

“You can contact us using our online reporting form, quoting reference number 43200346904, or by calling the non-emergency number 101.

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.”