Woman, 81, defeats street robber

An 81-year-old woman fought off an attacker after he pushed her against a wall in Telford and attempted to pull at her bag as she returned from a lunchtime shopping trip.

The woman was returning home to her home when a man approached her in Sanderville Close, Stirchley.

Chris Ammonds, spokesman for Telford police, said: "She was very close to home when she was assaulted.

"The male pushed the victim against a wall and she believes he then attempted to pull at her bag and search it.

"However, the victim held on to her bag and this forced the male to run from the scene. Nothing was stolen."

The pensioner believes she could have been followed home after withdrawing money from a cashpoint.

Detectives are currently checking through CCTV footage to see if she was pursued and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Police say the pensioner was not injured during the incident, but has been left "shaken".

The attacker has been described as white, aged between 20 and 30, about 5ft 10ins tall and of slim build. He was wearing dark blue or black trousers.

Mr Ammonds added: "Anyone who believes they may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact officers in Telford on 08457 444 888."