POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a woman of 70 was knocked to the ground and injured by a young man who stole her handbag.

The woman, who suffered a broken hip and bruising, was attacked in Hythe High Street.

It happened as she locked up The Malthouse antiques market, on the corner of Malthouse Hill, between 5.30pm and 5.45pm on Saturday.

The man, who was white and in his teens or early 20s, was wearing a blue or grey hooded top. He fled with the woman's handbag.

Anyone with information should call Det Sgt Jack Godley on 01303 289426 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The victim was recovering in William Harvey Hospital.