A woman was punched in the face by a thief who then stole her purse, police said today.

The incident happened on Friday, January 27, at 10.15pm as the victim was walking along Thirlmere Road in Long Eaton.

The man punched her in the face and as she fell to the ground he snatched her purse. He then ran off towards Grassmere Road.

The man was described as white, approximately five feet, seven inches tall, of skinny build and in his twenties.

He was wearing a black hooded top with the hood worn up, a white and red scarf and dark tracksuit bottoms with white stripes down the side.

The stolen purse was white with black spots and a red bow on it.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Erewash CID on the non-emergency number 101.

To report crime anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.