by Lynn Cox

Thousands of pounds of Christmas club money has been lost after a couple were mugged outside their home.

Brian and Margaret Ost, who organised the savings scheme, were on their way to share out the £11,000 with members.

They were attacked on Friday at about 6.30pm as they left their home in Luton Road, Chatham.

Mrs Ost, 70, was spun around by a man wearing a hoodie and her handbag, containing the cash, was snatched. Mrs Ost broke her wrist in the fall.

The couple have been running the Christmas savings scheme for former colleagues of Mr Ost's, who used to work for the Arriva bus company.

Mr Ost, who is retired, is thought to have been unharmed during the incident, which was caught on CCTV outside an off licence.

Their son Andrew said: "Mum walked out of the house and within seconds her bag was grabbed and she was spun round.

"She broke her wrist. My dad has been running the Christmas savings club for years.

"The robber was black and was wearing a hoodie, but that's all you can see on the CCTV."

Mr Ost was running the savings scheme for former colleagues at the Gillingham bus depot.

Depot manager Glen Shuttleworth said: "It's not clear how many staff had been paying into the scheme, it was run independently by Brian.

"People have been paying in all year. It's uncertain if anyone will get their money back."

Police said the thief ran off along Edinburgh Road where he was challenged by two people.

He managed to get away and turned back down Edinburgh Road into Luton Road and towards Chatham High Street.

DS Jason Lynch said: "The thief is black, 6ft, slim and muscular. He was wearing a petrol blue coloured top, white vest, blue or grey jeans or jogging bottoms and black trainers.

"When he ran off he was holding the hooded top. There were people around at the time and I would ask anyone who thinks they may have information which could help with our investigation to get in touch."

Witnesses can contact police on 01634 792402 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.