An 89-year-old woman was recovering today after being pushed into a hedge and robbed of her handbag in a south Shropshire town by a young woman.

The incident, which sparked a police search with dogs, happened yesterday afternoon as the pensioner was walking on the pavement along one of the main streets in Church Stretton.

A young woman crossed the road, grabbed the handbag and pushed her victim into a hedgerow.

Passers-by went to her assistance and though extremely upset, she was not injured.

Detective Sergeant Dave Meyer said it was a serious incident in which an elderly and vulnerable person had been targeted.

“Fortunately, she was not seriously hurt but it was a shocking and distressing experience for her,” he said.

“We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or perhaps spotted the young woman as she fled the scene.

“This kind of incident is very rare in Shropshire and we are anxious to receive any information at all which might help us trace the offender.”

He said the robbery took place in Central Avenue just after 1pm yesterday.

The young woman then fled up an alleyway off Central Avenue towards Church Way.

She is described as white, probably in her late teens or early twenties, of slim build and wearing a light-coloured top and trousers.

Police officers, including a dog handler, carried out an immediate search of the town but to no avail. They have also carried out house-to-house inquiries and are checking CCTV footage.

Mr Meyer added it is still unclear what was in the victim’s bag and urged anyone finding a discarded handbag in the Church Stretton area to inform police.