CHESHIRE police are appealing for information after an elderly woman was mugged in Ellesmere Port town centre.

Officers were called at around 10.20am yesterday, Monday, to reports of a 68-year-old woman walking along Regent Street using her walking frame had been mugged.

The victim came towards the junction of Earls Gardens she was approached from behind by an unknown man on a mountain bike.

The man grabbed the woman’s handbag, causing her to fall to the floor, and then cycled away from the scene in the direction of Queens Gardens.

A number of witnesses ran after the suspect but were unable to locate him.

The woman suffered a number cuts and abrasions to her legs and was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital where here condition is described as stable.

The man is in his late teens/early twenties, he was riding a mountain bike and wearing dark coloured top, dark pants.

At the time of the incident he had his hood up and mouth covered.

Investigating officer DC Kevin Hole said: “This was a serious incident and we are committed to doing all that we can to tracing the person responsible.

“The victim was a vulnerable elderly woman who has been left extremely shaken as a result of her ordeal.

“The investigation is currently in its early stages and we are following a number of lines of enquiry, including CCTV analysis and speaking to witnesses.

“As part of the investigation I’m keen to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident and believes that they may have witnessed anything suspicious.

“I’d like to appeal directly to the offender and ask him to search his conscience and come forward.”

Anyone with information in relation to the incident is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 301 of 22/5/2017. Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.