A SHOPWORKER was left shaken after her handbag was snatched as she walked along a Wirral street.

The 53-year-old was walking along Mallaby Street last Wednesday night having finished work at a shop in Claughton when she was approached from behind.

The man barged into her and grabbed her Radley handbag from her shoulder before running off in the direction of Danescourt Road.

The woman was shaken but unhurt and declined an ambulance. She went to a relative's house where she reported the robbery to the police.

Patrols searched the area for the offender but he has so far not been traced.

The woman's bag is described as black with a dog badge on the front. Inside was a red purse containing bank cards and a small amount of cash.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who was in Mallaby Street or Danescourt Road last Wednesday evening and saw anyone acting suspiciously to get to in touch.

Detective Inspector Paul Parry from Wirral CID said: "This was a very upsetting incident for this lady to experience.

"All she was doing was walking home from a shift at work in a local shop when she heard a man running up to her from behind. She then felt him barge into her and wrench her handbag from her shoulder.

"She was not injured although her shoulder was sore and she was very shaken afterwards. Police patrols did search the area but unfortunately he had fled the scene. 

"I am hoping he has attracted the attention of someone living in the area or passing by at the time who may be able to cast their minds back a week and tell us anything they remember.

"This man may have been loitering in the area beforehand or out of breath after running away. He was quite tall and dressed in a dark-coloured hooded top and may have stuck out if anyone saw a man carrying a woman’s handbag or even sorting through it in the street. We are doing all we can to catch this person so would appreciate any information that could help us.”

Call Wirral CID on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.