AN 80-year-old woman was left shaken after having her bag snatched.

The victim was walking along Hewell Road away from the town centre at about 2.45pm on Thursday, January 20.

She passed The Railway pub and as she continued under the bridge, a man approached her from behind and snatched her bag.

He escaped along Melen Street in a small blue car with a spoiler on the back, possibly a Rover 100.

The bag was a tan leather shopping bag containing a dark navy purse, cash, glasses, an umbrella and items of shopping.

The thief is described as white, aged 18-20,9 with ginger hair.

He was wearing a hooded top with a white stripe and possibly lettering across it.

He was also wearing black tracksuit bottoms with a white stripe down the side and blue or grey trainers.

Police are now appealing for witnesses who may have seen the theft to contact them with any information.

DC Wayne Cashion, from Redditch CID, said: "Thankfully the woman was not hurt but she was very shaken.

"We're always appalled when the elderly and vulnerable are targeted in this way and we're appealing for help in identifying the offender."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or recognises the man's description can call DC Cashion on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.