Police appeal after 78-year-old woman robbed in south Belfast

POLICE have appealed for information after an elderly woman was mugged while sitting in her car in south Belfast.

The woman, 78, was in the vehicle outside her home at Cotswold Avenue in the Four Winds area when she was attacked on Friday at around 4pm.

A young man opened the car door, stealing the victim’s handbag which contained a sum of cash and bank cards.

Police said the woman was left in a distressed state, and received a hand injury as a result of the incident.

The thief is described as being in his late teens or early 20s, around 5ft 8in tall, of thin build and with short black hair.

He was wearing a green hooded top, jeans and dark coloured Converse trainers.

It is believed the man came from a white Ford Transit van which was parked in the Coolpark Avenue area.

Two other men were in the van, police said.

The driver is described as being aged in his mid 30s, bald and with a goatee beard.

The van is believed to have made off in the direction of Carnbrae Avenue.

Anyone who has any information about this incident, or the white Ford Transit van, should contact police 0n 0845 600 8000.