A PENSIONER was left shaken after a woman pretending to be a charity worker tried to rob him.

The woman turned up outside the victim’s home in Storrington with a clipboard in her hands as she asked for a donation.

As the pensioner in his 80s gave her a small amount of money, she tried to snatch his watch.

The incident at midday on Tuesday is being probed by the police.

There was a struggle between the victim and the woman before others saw what was happening and intervened.

She ran off from the property empty-handed in Manleys Hill and was seen going in the direction of the High Street and School Hill.

Police say she is a white woman aged between 20 and 35, with shoulder length brown hair. She wore glasses and an olive green coat.

Officers searched the area but could not trace the woman. The force said patrols will be stepped up in the area.

Anyone who saw what happened or may have information about the suspect should report it to Sussex Police online or call 101 and quoting reference 491 of 23/02.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.