A WOMAN who struggled with a mugger after being attacked in a subway has been talking about the ordeal. Evangeline Price was left bruised and distressed by thief who ran off with her briefcase after the incident in the St George's underpass in Canterbury.

The attack happened minutes after she had left work at Canterbury Archaeological Trust where she is financial manager. Mrs Price, 47, who lives in Herne Bay, said: "I was taking my usual route to my car parked in the Dover Street which involves walking through the underpass.

"I didn't see anyone but as I started to walk through the subway I heard footsteps running behind me. I turned round and saw quite a smartly dressed man who I thought must be hurrying for a train or something.

"But as I stepped aside to let him pass, he tried to snatch by handbag.

"Fortunately, I had a good grip on it and wouldn't let go. He pushed my head back against the wall. I screamed out but let go of my briefcase which was in my other hand.

"He grabbed it and ran off the way he had come. I gave chase but he met up with another man at the top of the subway and they both raced away towards Lady Wootton's Green."

Mrs Price said the incident was witnessed by two women who she would like to thank for comforting her and helping police. Mrs Price's briefcase which contained personal files and papers was later found dumped in a skip nearby, minus her mobile phone, Filofax and keys.

The mugger is said to be aged between 35 to 40, about 5ft 8ins and of medium build. He had short, light brown hair and was wearing a leather jacket and dark trousers.

Detectives are anxious to hear from anyone who can help the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to telephone Canterbury CID on 01227 817154 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.