A retired professor dragged to the ground and robbed is hoping a Good Samaritan who came to his aid can help catch his attacker.

The 87-year-old, who has asked not to be named, was robbed when he stepped off a bus in Banbury Road, Oxford, in the early hours of Thursday morning.

He described being grabbed from behind by a robber who then ran away with a bag filled with personal possessions, leaving him bruised and on the ground.

Minutes later, a passerby came to his aid and helped him home.

Police are hoping bus passengers and the Good Samaritan have information to catch the robber.

The pensioner, from North Oxford, said: "I've got quite a bit of fear inside.

"I hope the guy that did this gets what he deserves or can be reformed somehow.

"I hate what he has done to me."

The retired professor stepped off a Stagecoach bus in Banbury Road at the junction with Upland Park Road.

He was then robbed near a bus stop at the junction with Carlton Road.

Dick Evans, of Oxford police robbery team, said: "The Good Samaritan deserves a pat on the back.

"But we also need to speak to him because he may have seen the robber.

"It is horrible what has happened.

"There are lots of policemen in the station who would really like to catch this robber and it's important witnesses come forward.

"To pick on a man in this way is a cowardly thing to do. He couldn't fight back and didn't stand a chance."

Anyone with information should call 08458 505505 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.