A woman pensioner in Abingdon was left distressed after a thief approached her from behind and snatched her handbag.

Thames Valley Police said the incident happened on Tuesday in Bath Street at about 9.30am.

The victim, a 76-year-old woman, was walking along the street when a man approached her from behind and grabbed her handbag from over her shoulder.

The bag is square, black leather and about eight inches by five inches with three horizontal zips on the front. It had a long shoulder strap.

The bag may have been discarded nearby but has not been recovered so far.

Officers said the offender is 5ft 10ins to 6ft, slim and was wearing a green and black camouflage jacket which was thigh length. He was wearing a grey knitted hat.

The victim was not injured but was shaken by her ordeal.

Investigating officer, Sergeant Rachel Carter, based at Abingdon police station, said: "This incident was very distressing for the victim I would ask if you saw this incident, or have any information relating to it, which you think could help our investigation, please get in touch.

"Anyone with any details should call the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 101."

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting reference number 43180007988.

A 49-year-old man from Abingdon has been arrested on suspicion of theft from a person and has been released under investigation.