Essex Police has launched an appeal for witnesses after an elderly woman was robbed in a supermarket on Maldon High Street today (Friday 12 November).

Members of the public chased the man, who was wearing a black mask, down the High Street after he stole her bag.

Officers were called to the scene shortly before 11.30am to reports that an elderly woman had been robbed while shopping in Iceland.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "The victim, a woman in her 80s, was in a store when a man snatched her bag and ran off."

An eyewitness, who called the police alongside an off-duty officer, said: "The man was dressed in all black with a black mask and hood up.

"He robbed a poor little old lady in Iceland of her purse.

"He was chased down the High Street then down the side of the lighting shop by many members of the public.

"Myself and an off-duty police officer were both on the phone to the police.

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"Unfortunately, he wasn't caught."

The spokesperson for Essex Police added: "If you witnessed the incident please call 101 citing incident 346 of November 12."