A pensioner was pushed to the ground by a person who made off with her handbag.

The 79-year-old was robbed of her handbag by a man in Charleston Road, Eastbourne, at around 9.30am on Saturday, January 17

She was approached by a person who grabbed her bag and when she resisted, pushed her to the ground and ran off with it.

She was attended to by a passing Good Samaritan who took her home and called the police. The victim suffered bruising in the attack.

Her bag was found in nearby Motcombe Gardens by police a short time later; it appears that only cash was removed from her purse, which was also discarded at the scene.

Detective Constable Matt Cherryman said: "This was a very alarming experience for the victim who, fortunately, was not seriously hurt in the incident. Our enquiries have led us to want to talk to the man in our photo who may have important information to assist our investigation.

"If you recognise him or were around the area on the morning of the robbery, please email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting serial 481 of 17/01. Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."