A WOMAN was punched in the eye and ribs as someone attempted to steal her handbag in Whittlesey.The incident took place last night (Monday, October 1) between 7pm and 7.20pm. The 41-year-old woman was walking home and stopped at a cash point at Lloyds TS

A WOMAN was punched in the eye and ribs as someone attempted to steal her handbag in Whittlesey.

The incident took place last night (Monday, October 1) between 7pm and 7.20pm. The 41-year-old woman was walking home and stopped at a cash point at Lloyds TSB on Queens Street.

She then made her way along High Causeway and turned down an alleyway by the Somerfields store. Before exiting the alley someone grabbed her handbag. She pulled her bag towards her and was then punched in the eye and in the ribs, causing her to fall to the ground.

Her attacker, or attackers, left without her handbag. The woman went home and called the police.

The victim is white, with brown hair. She wore a Bupa nurse's top with a denim jacket and dark trousers.

Detective Sergeant Matt Swash said: "The victim had her head down to the ground throughout this ordeal and so any description of the attacker, or attackers is very limited.

"The woman was taken to Peterborough District Hospital where she received treatment and was later discharged. This was a terrifying incident and she has been left shocked and in some degree of pain from her injuries.

"Please, if you were in the area, and can remember seeing this woman at the cash point, or walking along High Causeway, please get in touch. I need to establish who was in the area at the time."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Sgt Swash at Wisbech Police Station on 0845 456 456 4 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.