A pensioner from Ashford had her handbag grabbed from her before falling face down on the pavement during a struggle.

The 77-year-old was walking along Quantock Drive, Ashford between 8.30pm and 8.40pm on Wednesday when a man on a bicycle cycled next to her and grabbed her bag.

The woman tried to hold on but fell face down onto the pavement as the offender managed to grab it and ride off.

She was taken to the William Harvey Hospital with swelling and bruising and was kept in overnight for observation.

Police are carrying out house-to-house enquiries and studying CCTV to try and identify the offender who was wearing dark clothing.

The stolen handbag is described as a large, bright red Jasper Conran crocodile style bag.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Karen Lorimer on 01233 896291 or email: Karen.lorimer@kent.pnn.police.uk

You can also call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.