DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a woman was knocked to the ground and robbed of her handbag in Cowley.

A 64-year-old woman was pushed from behind as she walked along Barns Road, near to Lockheart Crescent, on Wednesday at 9pm.

She fell to her knees and had her handbag taken from her. The offender ran off down Lockheart Crescent leaving her on the ground. He is described as aged 16-18, mixed race, 5ft 2in tall and skinny with short, black straight hair.

Patricia Coyne, a case investigator in the Oxford robbery team, said: "The lady's handbag contained her pension and personal effects and has left her understandably distressed. A man stopped to help the lady, and a local shopkeeper called the police.

"I'd ask anyone with any information to contact me"

Witnesses and anyone with information that they feel could help police are urged to contact Patrica Coyne at Oxford robbery team via 0845 8 505 505. If you don't want to speak to police and don't want to leave your name call the confidential Crimestoppers service on 0800 555 111.