DETECTIVES hunting a street robber who pounced on a middle-aged woman as she walked to a Hampshire social club have released CCTV footage.

Police believe the man caught on camera outside a Southampton convenience store could have vital information about the attack near Woolston Social Club earlier this month.

The 51-year-old victim had been walking along Victoria Road, Woolston, when she was approached from behind and knocked over.

Police said the robber snatched her handbag and ran off towards the nearby Vosper Thornycroft site.

The victim, who lives in Butlocks Heath, was uninjured but extremely shaken by her ordeal, which happened around 9.30pm on Sunday January 14.

Her handbag had contained a purse, credit cards, driving licence and £60 in cash.

Around 45 minutes later, a man was filmed by CCTV cameras outside the Alldays store in Witts Hill, Midanbury, where he tried to use one of the stolen cards but was refused.

Today Pc Dave Bowen, of Bitterne CID, said: "The CCTV footage shows that he was wearing an extremely distinctive hooded jacket with a small bright coloured logo on the front and a large logo on the back. He was pictured talking with what appears to be a female friend.

"We are appealing for anybody who recognises this man or the girl he was with to contact us as soon as possible."

The man pictured is described as white, aged 20 to 30, 5ft 7in, with a fairly slim build. He also has a 2cm to 3cm scratch on his right cheek just under his eye.

* Anyone who recognises either person caught on camera is urged to call Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.