MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives, in Sefton, are appealing for information following a robbery in Southport, on Saturday, 10 December 2016. At around 10.30pm, on that Saturday, a woman was walking alone along Lord Street West when she was approached by a man. He put his arm around the victim, pulling her backwards to the ground while grabbing her handbag. The offender then made off on foot in the direction of Lord Street holding the bag. The victim was not injured, but left extremely shaken. The offender is described as being about 5ft 5in tall and is of average build. He was wearing a light grey or cream hooded top. The handbag has since been recovered. Enquiries are on going CCTV is being examined from the shop and surrounding areas and the scene was forensically examined.

Detective Constable Jason Ennis said:- "This must have been a very frightening experience for the victim. Thankfully incidents such as this are rare and we are working hard to trace the offenders responsible. I would urge anyone who has any information about this incident, especially anyone who was in the area at the time, who may have seen a man fitting this description, to come forward. I'd ask anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident to get in contact; maybe you saw a man in the area acting suspiciously or running away from the scene holding a handbag? Any information could assist with our enquiries."

Detectives are appealing for anyone who has any information about this incident to contact Sefton CID on:- 0151 777 3807 or Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.