A WOMAN was attacked and robbed as she walked through a Wirral park.

Police called the assault "desperate and despicable" and say they will not rest until the "vile" attackers are behind bars.

At about 1.30pm on Thursday, March 24, the 55-year-old woman walked into Birkenhead Park through the entrance at Park Road East.

As she was walking through she passed a man and a woman sat on a park bench.

She headed towards the cricket club when she was approached from behind by the man who tried to pull her handbag away.

During the struggle he assaulted her, took her handbag and ran off.

The victim, who suffers from a heart condition, then went to the visitors' centre and emergency services were called.

She was taken to hospital by ambulance as a precautionary measure.

Police searched the area but found nothing

They want to speak to the couple the victim saw sitting on the bench.

The man is aged between 45 and 50, of slim build and wearing a grey hooded top and grey hat.

The woman is of large build with dark hair.

Detective Inspector Dave McCaughrean said: "This was a desperate and despicable attack in broad daylight that has caused the victim considerable distress and anguish.

"We will not stop until the offenders have been arrested and prosecuted for this vile attack on a vulnerable woman."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0151 777 2265 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.