Police are appealing for witnesses after a 61-year-old woman had her handbag snatched as she walked through the grounds of Andover College.

The woman was walking on Charlton Road, having come from the Chantry Centre, and was heading towards the college at about 2pm yesterday when she felt someone pull at her handbag.

She tried to fight off the man telling him to let go, but the man managed to pull the handbag away from her and ran off with the bag in the direction of Shepherds Spring Lane where he was not seen again.

The bag contained £140 in cash, a mobile phone and other personal items.

The man is described as of an average build, between 5ft 8ins and 6ft tall and was wearing a dark-coloured jacket, a dark purple or brown hooded top with the hood up and trainers.

PC Gemma Smith said: “Did you see anyone matching the description in the area at the time?

“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen something or who knows anything about this incident to contact me.”

Anyone with any infromation is asked to contact PC Smith at Andover Police Station on 101 or call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.