A woman was punched in the face by a tracksuit-clad thief during an attempted robbery in Stevenage.

The victim, who is 57, was approached by a tall, white man on London Road on Sunday at about 11.30am.

He tried to grab her bag, which she kept hold of, and then punched her in the face.

The thief is described being about 6ft 3ins and was wearing a grey hooded top and grey jogging bottoms.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Detective Constable Hayden Coggins on 01438 757224 or via the Herts Police on 101 quoting crime reference number E1/15/2099.