Purse snatcher pushes woman to the ground

A WOMAN was pushed to the ground by a purse snatcher in the Capital.

The incident happened around 3pm on Sunday, near the Morrisons at New Swanston.

The 66-year-old victim was walking home from the store when a man approached her and snatched her purse.

A struggle ensued and the woman was pushed to the ground before the suspect fled towards Oxgangs Road North. The woman suffered a sore back but did not require medical attention.

Police are now appealing for anyone who was in the area and saw anything suspicious to come forward.

The suspect is described as white, between 26 and 28-years-old with a slim build, short cropped dark hair and rotten front teeth. He was wearing a brownish grey top, grey joggers and white trainers.

A police spokesman said: "The man was also believed to have visited the Morrisons prior to the theft and anyone who recognises his description and can help us identify and locate him should also come forward."

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131-311 3131, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.