POLICE hunting a robber who dragged a woman in her 80s to the ground to snatch her handbag have released a CCTV image.

The woman was targeted in Poole as she walked through the service road which leads to Kingland Crescent after travelling by train to attend an event at Poole Lighthouse.

At around 7.25pm she was approached from behind by a man who pulled her back and forth before pushing her to the ground and running off with her handbag.

The victim's handbag contained a quantity of cash, her bank cards, mobile phone, diary and reading glasses. Her purse was later found discarded on a footpath by Seldown Bridge.

The offender is described as a white man and around five feet nine inches tall. He was wearing dark clothing and possibly a cap.

The victim received a minor injury to her hand as a result of the incident but did not require hospital treatment. Officers arranged for her cards to be cancelled along with her safe return home and provided appropriate support.

Detective Constable Matt Cooke, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This robbery was understandably very distressing for the victim and left her with no means of getting home. We are continuing to make enquiries to identify the offender.

“As part of my investigation I am now in a position to release an image of a man I would like to speak to. I would ask anyone who has any information as to his identity to please get in touch.”

Information to Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55200034252, or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.