A woman has suffered severe bruising to her hip following a robbery.

The incident happened at around 9.25pm in Whinbush Road in Hitchin on Friday, December 27.

The victim, who is aged 71, was walking down the road with her partner in the direction of Verulam Road.

As they approached Kennedy Court, her partner was a few steps ahead of her. At this point an offender approached her from behind and pushed her to the floor. The offender then took her handbag and ran off down a footpath which leads to Bancroft Gardens.

The offender is described as a male who was wearing a light coloured sleeved top with the hood up.

He had a small backpack on his back and was wearing light coloured trainers.

This man is believed to have been followed by another male who was wearing dark clothing.

Detective Constable Steve Cook from the Local Crime Unit at Hitchin police station said: “Inquiries so far show that the offender followed the couple for a period of time and I would be keen to hear from anyone who was walking or driving in the area and saw the man described, or saw the incident taking place to contact me.

“I would also be keen to hear directly from the second man, or anyone who saw the second man to contact me with information. He may have been witness to what happened or have vital information as part of the investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Cook via the Herts police non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number G1/13/2962. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.