A thief will spend six years behind bars after he pushed a pensioner over and stole £200.

Jay Makwana, of Northumberland Park, Erith, was captured on camera taking the 81-year-old's purse as police officers arrived.

The moment Makwana stole the purse. Credit: Met Police

Officers were called at around 10am on November 9 to reports someone had been injured in Market Place.

They found a woman lying on the ground with injuries to her face.

She was taken to hospital where her injuries were assessed as not life-threatening.

Inquiries were carried out and it was established that her purse, which contained around £200, was stolen.

Officers launched an investigation taking witness statements and reviewing CCTV from the area.

The footage showed the victim leaving a nearby bank when she was approached by Makwana.

He pushed her to the ground causing her to hit her head on the pavement. He stayed with the victim before officers arrived.

The 40-year-old was arrested by officers from the South East Basic Command Unit on November 24. He was interviewed and charged the following day.

He pleaded guilty to robbery at Woolwich Crown Court yesterday.

Sgt Matt Taylor, of the burglary robbery investigation team, said: "This was a truly shocking assault on a woman who was deliberately targeted because of her age and vulnerability.

'It has had a huge impact on the victim's life and left her scared to leave home alone...'

"It has had a huge impact on the victim's life and left her scared to leave home alone.

"I hope the fact that Makwana received a significant custodial sentence will bring her some closure as she continues to come to terms with this terrible ordeal."

He was also ordered to pay a £190 victim surcharge.

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