A CRUEL thief robbed a 95-year-old woman as she walked home after meeting friends.

Detectives described the incident as a "callous attack on an elderly woman" and said the pensioner had been left very distressed.

The woman was targeted as she walked along New Street, in Irvine, on Wednesday, at the rear of the multi-story car park at the Rivergate Shopping Centre.

She was approached from behind by a man, at around 5.40pm, who snatched her handbag.

He then fled towards Marks and Spencers at the retail park.

The suspect is described as young, 4ft 6inches and was wearing a grey hooded top.

Police have been carrying out enquiries in the local area and gathering CCTV footage and appealled to witnesses to come forward.

Detective Inspector Mick Carr, of Saltcoats Police Station, said:

“This was a callous attack on an elderly woman who has understandable been left traumatised. She was simply making her way home after visiting some friends.

“The robbery took place in a busy area of the town where there will have been lots of shoppers, pedestrians and cars. Were you in the area at the time? Did you see something that might assist our enquiries?

“We will continue to study CCTV images for more details but I would urge anyone who may have seen this incident take place, or a young man matching the description at that time to come forward and contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Saltcoats Police Station via 101 quoting incident number 2496 of Wednesday 15 November.