Appeal after attempted robbery

Police in Plymouth are appealing for information following an attempted robbery on an elderly woman.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident where a 83 year old lady was the victim of an attempt robbery which occurred around 4.00pm on Wednesday 22nd July in the small car park behind the Gala Bingo on Derry’s Cross Plymouth.

The victim was walking back to her car after visiting the bank when she was grabbed from behind by a woman who attempted to snatch the victim’s handbag.

The victim managed to hold onto the bag but was pushed to the floor where upon the suspect continued to try and take the handbag.

The victim shouted out and attracted the attention of a passing taxi driver who came to the elderly victim’s aid and the suspect then ran off.

The victim fortunately was not injured.

The suspect is described as a white woman, aged in her early twenties, with dark hair

. She was of large build with a round face. She spoke with a local accent.

It is believed the suspect was begging outside the Lloyds TSB branch on Raleigh Street just prior to the incident.

Police would like to speak to any witnesses and in particular to the taxi driver who helped the victim and witnessed the incident.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Police on 101 or 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk quoting crime reference number of CR/051141/15 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online at www.Crimestoppers-uk.org.