Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a woman was violently robbed in Largs.

Around 9pm on Wednesday 8 April, the 50-year-old woman was walking near to Church Street when she was approached by a man who punched her before stealing her handbag.

The man is described as being around 6ft tall and wearing a dark coloured hooded top.

Detective Constable Stuart McCulloch, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a very distressing experience for the victim , who has suffered facial injuries and has been left shaken as a result. It is important that we trace the man responsible as soon as possible.

“Following the incident, the man was seen running from the lane next to Largs railway station into the car park at Morrison’s supermarket.

“We are conducting extensive local enquiries in the area including a review of CCTV and house to house enquiries but I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious to contact us.” Sergeant Paul McNaughton of Largs Police said: “The female victim was extremely shaken by the incident, however her injuries are not severe. Saltcoats CID are leading the enquiry.” Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Police Scotland by calling 101 or to contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity is guaranteed.

* In a separate incident, a man has been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to an assault of a woman in Arthur Court, West Kilbride, at 4pm on Wednesday 8 April. The woman received no injuries, according to police reports.