A TERRIFIED 83-year-old woman was injured when a brazen thief stole her handbag in broad daylight.

.She struggled with attacker, who seriously injured her hand, as he grabbed the bag from her.

Police are now hunting the attacker who struck in Hamilton at around 2.15pm on Thursday.

The elderly lady was walking along Auchingramont Road when the thug approached her and stole her handbag.

Officers said the suspect is described as white, between 20 and 30-years-old, and 5ft 10in tall.

He and wearing a dark coloured hooded top.

The victim received medical treatment, but has been left "extremely shaken" by her ordeal.

Chief Inspector Louise Skelton, Area Commander at Hamilton Police Office, said: "This was a very cowardly attack on a defenceless lady going about her business.

"She had just been shopping in the nearby town centre, and was on Auchingramont Road, when this man approached her.

"Enquiries are ongoing in the local area and officers are also studying CCTV footage in an effort to gather more information on the man responsible.

I am anxious to speak to anyone who saw this incident take place, or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk