POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a woman had her bag snatched in Southend.

The victim, a 67-year-old woman from Westcliff, was on her way to work at about 11.45am on July 24 in Queensway when she was approached by a man on a bike.

Investigating officer Det Con Sam Boyd said: "The man grabbed the victim’s bag and she was dragged to the ground.

"She tried to hang onto it and there was a struggle.

"She suffered extensive bruising to her right under arm and had large grazes on her right knee and right wrist.

"He got away with her bag and its contents.

"The victim has been left very shaken as a result of what happened.”

The black bag contained the victim’s mobile phone and purse.

The suspect is described as white, aged between 21 and 40, had black, cropped, receding hair and was carrying a black canvas bag over his shoulder.

He was riding a bike.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Con Boyd at Southend CID via Essex Police 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.