POLICE are appealing to anyone who may be able to help with their inquiries regarding a robbery from a 69-year-old woman.

The pensioner, was walking home along Connaught Drive, Newton-le-Willows, after calling at a local chip shop, at about 10.15pm on Friday, December 1, when a woman started walking at her side.

After a couple of minutes the victim felt a hand in her pocket and realised that the woman was trying to grab her purse. A struggle ensued and the two women were then approached by a man who demanded to know where the purse was.

The frightened pensioner threw her purse into a nearby garden and the man retrieved it before escaping with the girl down Wargrave Road.

The woman is described as 20-25 years, 5ft 2in tall, slim build, with long, dark hair, which reached the middle of her back. She was wearing dark clothing.

The man is described as white, in his 20s, 5ft 10in tall, with short dark hair. He was wearing a white fleece jacket and dark trousers.

Anyone who can help the police with their inquiries can contact DC Mal Van Schaick on 0151 777 6064, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.