Police are appealing for information after an elderly women was robbed in Irvine on Wednesday.

A 95 year-old women was walking along New Street, at the rear of the multi-story car park at the Rivergate Shopping Centre, when she was approached from behind by a man who snatched her handbag at around 4.45pm on Wednesday.

He then made off towards Marks and Spencers at the retail park, leaving the woman uninjured, but shaken.

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

Police have been carrying out enquiries in the local area and gathering CCTV footage but appeal to anyone who may have any information.

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. Alternatively you can call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.