An 82-year-old woman has been taken to hospital after she was attacked by a bogus caller who stole her bag from her home.

Strathclyde Police said a man called at the victim's home in Woodmill, Kilwinning, at about 7.45pm on Wednesday and asked her if she needed any work done.

He then forced his way into the house, pushed the woman to the floor and made off with her handbag.

She was taken to Crosshouse Hospital, near Kilmarnock, for observation after suffering bruising during the incident.

Detective Constable Steven Ferry said the woman had been left badly shaken and appealed for help to catch the robber.

The suspect is described as white, about 5ft 9ins tall, in his late twenties with short brown hair and clean shaven. He wore a grey fleece zipped top and blue jeans, and spoke with a local accent.

DC Ferry said: "Those who prey on elderly people deserve no respect or loyalty. They are contemptible and I would appeal to the local community to contact us with any information they may have about this incident."

Anyone with information should call Saltcoats Police Office on 01294 404500 or crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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