A THUG pushed a pensioner to the ground before stealing her handbag in busy street in broad daylight. 

The 74-year-old woman was walking along Ardrossan's Princes Street towards the level crossing at around 3.45pm on Tuesday,

When she was at the junction with Bute Place, a man approached her from behind.

He violently pushed the woman to the ground before stealing her handbag and making off along Bute Place.

The man managed to climb a fence and made his way back towards Harbour Road, running in front of cars on the road.

Detective Inspector William McDicken, from Saltcoats CID, said: “This man preyed on an elderly woman who had been out buying shopping and enjoying the lovely weather of that day.

“This persons actions are absolutely despicable. Not only did he show complete disregard for the victim’s safety, but he also stole her handbag which contained her personal belongings which would be of no value to them. The elderly woman was injured and is extremely shaken by this robbery.

“This incident happened in broad daylight and the surrounding area would have been busy at the time.

“I would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the robbery or who saw a man matching the description acting suspiciously around the time of the incident, or during the days before."

The man is described as white, around 25 to 30 years of age and between 5ft 7ins and 5ft 10ins in height. He was wearing a white t-shirt, light coloured knee length shorts and a dark navy baseball cap. He was either bald or his hair was closely shaven.

Prior to the incident, he was also seen wearing a light coloured sleeveless zipper top which he then removed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers on 101 or alternatively you can call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111.”