AN ELDERLY woman sustained severe bruising after a man violently snatched her handbag.

At around 5.50pm on October 29 2024, the victim – a woman aged in her 80s – exited The Range store at the Turbary Retail Park in Ringwood Road and was getting into her parked car when a man grabbed her handbag.

The man pulled at the bag – which the victim held onto – until she fell to the ground, sustaining severe bruising and a serious injury to her arm.

She had to attend hospital for treatment for her injuries.

It is reported that the man fled the scene with the victim’s handbag shortly after the incident occurred.

He is described as six feet tall and of slim build, wearing all black clothing and speaking with a local accent.

Police Constable Anna Lillywhite of Dorset Police said: “This was an extremely distressing experience for the victim that has left them feeling frightened and vulnerable.

“We are carrying out a detailed investigation to identify the person responsible, and I am keen to hear from any witnesses who have not yet spoken to us.

“In particular, I am keen to hear from any visitors to the Turbary Retail Park who witnessed any suspicious behaviour around the time the incident occurred.

“I would also urge any motorists driving in the area at the time to please review their dashcam footage to see if they have captured anything of relevance which may help us with our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240166974.