A 78-year-old woman gave chase after a track-suited man pushed her in the back and grabbed her purse.
The robbery occurred yesterday afternoon as the pensioner walked on Springfield Bank, Burnley.
A passer-by also gave chase but the man, said to be in his 20s, lost them in the Oxford Road area.
The assailant is described as being 5ft 7ins and stocky with dark hair.
The stolen purse contained cash, keys and personal papers, total value £20.
The victim was said to be badly shaken by the incident but not hurt.
Police are appealing for witnesses.
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