Strangers rushed to the aid of a woman in her 70s who uses a mobility scooter after she was targeted by muggers in a Stevenage park yesterday.

Police said the robbery happened opposite the café at the boating lake in Fairlands Valley Park between 4pm and 4.30pm.

The woman was sitting in her mobility scooter when she was approached by two men, one of whom tried to snatch her handbag from around her neck.

In the struggle that ensued, the victim was struck on the head. The other men then grabbed her Amazon Kindle out of her hands before the pair ran off.

This attracted the attention of several passers-by – who rushed to help the woman and later recovered the Kindle.

Police said the two robbers are described as being of Middle Eastern appearance and of medium build, with short black hair and black beards.

The first man is described as between 5ft 5in and 5ft 6in tall, with a blue polo shirt and dark jeans.

The other man is described as between 5ft 7in and 5ft 8in tall, aged between 25 and 35, and with a grubby-looking grey sports jacket.

Det Sgt Ian Sheridan of the Stevenage local crime unit said: “This was a cruel attack on a vulnerable lady who was left understandably distressed by what happened.

“I would like to commend the members of the public who came to her aid and saw the Kindle returned to her. However, they did not leave their details so we have not yet been able to speak to them. If this was you, please make contact with us as soon as possible.

“The robbery happened in an area with high footfall, and it would have been especially busy yesterday due to the sunny weather.

“Therefore I am appealing to anyone who saw what happened, recognises the descriptions of the men or has any further information they think may help our enquiries, to please come forward and speak to us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should email ian.sheridan@herts.pnn.police.uk, report online at herts.police.uk/report or call 101 and quote crime reference E1/18/3182.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.