DETECTIVES have launched an investigation after an 86-year-old woman was pushed to ground and robbed as she was walking home.

The victim had been doing her shopping and was walking up Pagitt Street from Chatham Station.

Suddenly she was violently pushed from behind as she walked passed an alleyway leading down the side of number four. The woman fell and landed on the pavement near the alleyway. She was unable to get up and cried for help.

A man came out of a nearby house and helped the victim to her feet and then chased after the offender but he managed to get away.

The woman's trolley was described as dark blue and contained the lady's shopping including bread, cat food and other items of food as well as a small black leather purse, house keys and utility bills.

Due to concern of the victim's welfare and safety of her property, the patrol contacted Victim Support Service so the woman's locks could be changed.

Det Sgt Kerry Rothwell said: "This was a cowardly act of unnecessary violence carried out against an elderly lady. I would urge anyone who may have any information about the incident or who may know where a blue shopping trolley has been discarded to contact us immediately."

Det Sgt Rothwell added: "We need to catch this offender before he has a chance to target another vulnerable person."

The offender is described as 5ft 8ins and of stocky build. He was wearing a beige three-quarter-length jacket, navy blue trousers and a blue baseball cap or woolly hat.

Anyone with information in connection with the incident should contact Medway Police on 01634 884252 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.