POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a robbery on Avenells Way, Gamlingay. The incident happened at about 3pm yesterday (June 22).

The victim, a woman in her 70s, was followed and attacked from behind as the suspect grabbed her handbag. A struggle ensued in which the victim hit the suspect a number of times with her walking stick. The suspect was hit to the floor before making off, however he managed to take a small sum of money and a mobile phone from the handbag. The victim was left shaken but uninjured. The suspect is described as white, of tanned appearance, in his 20s, with short cropped dark hair, wearing a dark blue/grey fleece or jacket with the hood pulled up.

Police are also keen for any witnesses to a collision which occurred shortly after the robbery.

It involved a silver Vauxhall Vectra which was seen repeatedly driving around the area prior to the robbery.

A vehicle matching this car’s description was then involved in a collision on Abbots Ripton Road, Abbots Ripton, close to Tesco.

The two occupants made off in another car which is believed to have been using false number plates.

Investigations are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Gaunt-Warner, said: “This was a violent attack on a vulnerable member of the public in broad daylight, I urge any member of the public with information to contact us about this matter.”

“I would like to make it clear to residents that this type of attack is very rare and there will be a more visible police presence in the area to offer reassurance to the people of Gamlingay and surrounding villages.” Anyone with information should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.