A VULNERABLE pensioner had her bag snatched by a heartless crook during a robbery in Colchester.

The 81-year-old woman was putting her key into a communal door in Gardenia Walk, Colchester, when her black bag was hauled from her hand.

The attack took place at about 4.30pm yesterday.

The bag was found abandoned further up the road with money missing from the purse.

Det Con Andrea Ford said: "The man is described as taller than 5ft 4ins tall and slim.

"He was wearing either all black or navy and had a short jacket on.

"After grabbing the bag he ran off in the direction of the playing fields next to Gardenia Walk.”

The woman was not injured but was left shaken up by the incident.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information call Det Con Andrea Ford at Colchester police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.