A WOMAN has had her purse stolen after a hooded man pushed her from behind in an underpass.

The victim, who is in her 30s, was walking through the underpass between Six Hills Way, Monkswood Way and Walden End in Stevenage when she was attacked at about 9.15pm on Friday.

The woman became aware of a man running up behind her before being pushed.

The offender was unable to steal the victim’s handbag but made off with her purse in the direction of Stevenage town centre.

Police have launched a witness appeal and a description of the offender.

The man is described as black, 5ft 8ins tall and of strong build. He was wearing dark clothing and a hooded top which he was wearing up.

Officers would also like to speak to a woman seen with a black Labrador who is believed to have walked towards the victim from the Walden End direction shortly after the incident.

Anyone with information should contact detective constable Emma Landucci on police non-emergency number 101.