Police are appealing for witnesses to a Stevenage robbery in which a woman was hit in the face while walking down the street.

Officers want to speak to anyone who has information about the theft and attack at the corner of Oaks Cross and Sleaps Hyde which left the 30-year-old victim with a cut lip.

The crime took place at around 5.45pm on Sunday when a man approached the victim from behind before striking her in the face and grabbing her purse from her hand. He then ran off. The man is described as white, of stocky build and around 5ft 8 ins tall. He was wearing a dark hooded top, white trainers and a silver chain which he wore over his top.

Investigating officer, DC Bianca Wackett, said: “I am appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen the incident to get in touch. Did you see anyone in the area who matches the description of the offender or do you think you may know him? Any information you provide, no matter how insignificant it seems, could help us to trace the person responsible.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact DC Wackett on 0845 33 00 222 citing crime reference number E1/10/8150. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.