The 74-year-old pensioner’s purse was snatched out of her hands by an assailant who ran up from behind while she was making her way along an alleyway on Tuesday morning.

Although not seriously hurt she was badly shaken. The offender discarded the purse nearby escaping with around £200.

Police are now appealing for public help in identifying the thief.

Detective Constable Mat Crisp, the investigating officer, said today: “This was a serious incident which understandably left the victim very upset.

“I am appealing for any information which might help our enquiries. Anyone who saw any part of the robbery, or possibly the culprit near the scene either before or after it happened, is asked to contact Oswestry CID on 0300-333-3000.”

DC Crisp said the woman was walking home after shopping at Morrisons. The robbery happened between 10.30am and 10.50am in an alleyway near the pedestrian crossing at Morrisons, running between Beatrice Street and Llywn Fields.

“The offender is believed to be male and was wearing a blue hooded top and had the hood pulled up around his face. His footwear was possibly red in colour.

“We know the offender approached her from behind from the Beatrice Street side of the alleyway and snatched the purse out of her hands, disposing of it a short distance away in Llywn Fields.”

Information can also be forwarded to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800-555-111, for which a reward may be paid.