A BRAVE shopper chased a robber after she was punched in the face and had her purse stolen as she returned to her car.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after the incident happened in Tesco car park, Blackburn.

The 57-year-old woman had been shopping at the supermarket in Hill Street on Wednesday.

Police said as she returned to her car, she was approached by a man who hit her in the face, knocking her to the floor, before snatching her handbag and making off.

The woman shouted for help and chased the man for a short distance in the direction of the New Business Enterprise Centre car park in front of Tesco.

The man continued to run, possibly towards Accrington Road or the Whitebirk Estate.

An investigation is underway and police are examining CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses.

Detective Constable Nicola Bithell said: "Fortunately the woman was not seriously injured, although this was clearly a very frightening ordeal and I urge anyone with information to help us to identify the man to come forward.

"We believe many people will have witnessed the attack as the woman chased the man, shouting for help and I appeal to those people to come forward."

Stolen was a black TULA shoulder bag made of leather and fabric containing a red John Roche leather purse, £50 cash and various credit cards and cheque books.

The man is described as white, with a stocky build, aged in his late 20s to early 30s.

He was clean shaven and had a round face wearing a dark coloured knitted hat, an anorak type coat and dark trousers.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 quoting log reference number 284eq/230108 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.