Police have released CCTV footage of an incident in which an elderly woman was robbed of her handbag in Northampton with hopes of tracking down the offender.

Between 3.20pm and 3.50pm on Sunday, the 79-year-old woman can be seen walking along St Theresa’s Close, Kettering, before being assaulted by a man who ran off with her handbag.

The thug dragged the woman to the floor and, as a result of the attack, she suffered a broken arm.

Two 31-year-old men have been arrested in connection and released on bail pending further enquiries.

DC Bates, who is leading the investigation, said: “Many people will be shocked by the CCTV footage we have released today and rightly so.

“This lady, like everyone else, should be able to go about her business and feel safe. Her attacker has taken that feeling of safety away from her and it is imperative that he is identified and brought to justice”.

Anyone who recognises the man in the footage is being encouraged to call us on 101, or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.