DETECTIVES have released new images of a man they want to speak to after a woman was attacked and her handbag stolen during a robbery in Blackburn.

Around 5pm on July 17 a 63-year-old woman was in the car park of the Mill Hill Community Centre at the rear of Francis Street when she was approached by a man.

The man grabbed the woman’s handbag pulling her to the ground. The woman suffered minor injuries to her knee, hand and elbow with the offender making off from the scene.

The attacker took a beige, brown-coloured leather handbag with a long shoulder strap and a flip cover. The bag contained a tartan purse with the victim’s bank card and cash. A black Nokia flip phone, address book, umbrella, gloves, glasses and other items were stolen.

Following further CCTV enquiries police have released new images of a man they want to speak to in connection with their investigation.

Det Con Mark Parrington, of Blackburn CID, said: “This was a shocking offence which took place in broad daylight.

“The victim has been left very shaken and distressed and we want to find the man responsible as soon as possible.

“Our investigation is very much ongoing and we need to identify the man in the CCTV images. I would urge anyone who recognises the man pictured to come forward immediately. If the male himself sees this witness appeal, I would also urge him to get in touch.”

Anyone with information can contact 101 or email 3612@lancashire.pnn.police.uk quoting log 1088 of July 17.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.