A WOMAN was pulled to the ground and had her handbag stolen by a masked robber near Cowley Road, Oxford.

Police are hunting a man who grabbed the 50-year-old from behind and made off with the bag while she was walking from Cowley Road to Reliance Way on Thursday at about 4.55pm.

The robber is described as around 5ft 7ins and was wearing a duffle coat with a fur lined hood. He was also wearing a mask.

Police say the victim was not injured in the incident, in which she was pulled 'forcefully' to the ground before the the thief made off in the direction of Cowley Road.

The stolen bag contained a mobile phone, cash and food.

Investigating officer, PC Daniel Hayward, from Oxford Investigation Hub, said: “This robbery occurred at a busy time of day close to Cowley Road, and there may have been other members of the public in the area at the time.

"I would particularly like to speak to a white man who the victim saw just after the incident."

Call 101 with information and quote reference 43170371228.