POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a North Yorkshire woman was robbed on her way home from work.

The 44-year-old victim was walking along Hampsthwaite Road, in Harrogate, at about 6.15am on Sunday when she was approached by a man, who forced her to the ground and stole her handbag.

The man then made off into a wooded area, across the road from where the incident occurred.

He is described as white, between 20 and 30 years old, around 5ft 8in tall and of slim build. He was wearing a dark grey hooded top and a grey scarf, which was covering his face.

Detective Sergeant Dave Horne, of Harrogate CID, said: “Fortunately the victim only suffered minor injuries in this incident; however she has been left understandably shaken.”

Anyone with information should contact Harrogate CID on 0845 6060247. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be phoned anonymously on 0800 555 111.