A WOMAN was attacked for her handbag in Barkingside last Thursday.

The 55-year-old got off the bus at the junction of Woodford Avenue and Clayhall Avenue at 11.20am and was walking along Claybury Broadway when a man, walking in the opposite direction, went past her.

The man then hit her on the head and attempted to grab her handbag, pushing her to the floor.

The woman bravely held on to her bag and her attacker fled empty-handed.

He is black, aged between 18 and 19, of athletic build, clean shaven and wearing black jeans and black leather jacket.

Witnesses should ring Ilford police on 8345 2745.