A WOMAN was pulled to the floor and attacked in an attempted robbery outside a Southampton hospital.

Police have launched an investigation after the incident that left the woman with head and body injuries.

She was walking along Tremona Road in Southampton, near the Bursledon House Children's Hospital Unit when she was approached from behind by a man at about 2.30pm yesterday.

The 32-year-old victim was pulled to the ground and assaulted as the man tried to grab her handbag.

A member of the public came to the woman's aid and the man fled the scene down a footpath between Wordsworth House NHS building and the Ronald McDonald charity building.

The man is described as being of mixed race, aged between 25 and 40, about six feet and two inches tall, and of average build.

He was wearing blue jeans and a dark top with the hood up.

Detective Constable Rob Munro said: “This incident happened during daylight hours in a public place where large numbers of people pass through on a daily basis.

“If anyone witnessed the incident, or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the surrounding area around this time, then please contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Munro on 101 and quote reference number 44160397003, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.