A MAN on a bike grabbed a pensioner’s handbag while she was waiting for friends in Worcester.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident that happened on Saturday which caused the woman in her 70s to fall to the floor outside the Whitehouse Hotel in Foregate Street.

The robber, who was described as wearing a black beanie hat, a bright blue jacket and dark trousers, rode a undersized mountain bike or BMX through the entrance to the hotel car park onto Farrier Street leaving the woman with minor injuries at around 6.40pm.

Detective Constable Sarah Beales of Worcester CID said: “Thankfully, there was nothing of great value in the handbag, but the robbery has left the lady quite shaken. I am also concerned the offender is brazen enough target an older woman at a busy time of day in the centre of Worcester.

“If anyone recognises the description of the cyclist or saw him in the area of Foregate Street and Farrier Street, please contact West Mercia Police straight away.”

DC Beales be contacted via the non-emergency police number 101 or information can be passed on anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, quoting the reference number 671s 21/12/13.