A VICTIM Support official has branded a mugger "despicable" after he duped a pensioner into producing her purse before punching her and making off with it.

Chris Norfolk, co-ordinator for Victim Support North West Worcestershire, said the attack on the woman in her 80s which gained her assailant just £11 was "despicable and extremely worrying".

The woman was stopped in Stourport's Cheshire Avenue by a teenager who asked if she had change for a pound.

When she agreed and opened her purse, the thug punched her on the arm, causing her to drop the purse, which he picked up before fleeing.

Mr Norfolk added: "This was the work of somebody desperate enough to pick on the vulnerable.

"Fortunately, this sort of robbery is very rare but nonetheless is of no consolation to this victim and others, who often feel intimidated and fearful in the future."

A Kidderminster Police spokesman said: "The lady didn't suffer injury but she was understandably very distressed.

"She was unable to provide a description, but the offender was tall and probably aged about 17."

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened at 10.20am last Wednesday, should call Kidderminster Police on 01562 820888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.