POLICE are hunting a thief who targeted a 76-year-old woman and then dumped her shopping in the street as he ran off.

The victim was walking her bicycle along Bartons Road in Fordingbridge when her assailant grabbed her handbag and a bag of shopping.

He then fled the scene, emptying the shopping bag as he went and throwing food on the ground.

The man is described as 5ft 10in with black hair and was wearing a black jacket. He is believed to have been standing outside one of the houses in Bartons Road, pretending to use a mobile phone, just before the theft. Police say his victim was left shocked but unhurt.

The incident occurred last Saturday at 3.30pm.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Fordingbridge police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.