An elderly woman suffered cuts and bruises after she was attacked and robbed on a street in Epsom yesterday afternoon (Monday, September 22).

Police launched an information appeal Tuesday as they hunted the suspect, who is described as a white man in his 20s.

The woman was pushed to the ground during the terrifying encounter and suffered cuts and bruises as a result.

The suspected thief meanwhile made off with two necklaces, which he snatched directly off her neck.

"The victim was walking along Ashley Road at around 1.45pm when a man snatched two necklaces from her neck.

"He then pushed her into a wall, causing her to fall over, before running off in the direction of Rosebury Park and Epsom town centre," a spokesperson for Surrey Police described.

Epsom and Ewell Borough Commander Inspector Jon Vale described the attack as "cowardly" as he detailed how the victim had been left shaken as a result, and urged any witnesses to come forward.

"This is a particularly cowardly attack on an elderly woman who thankfully escaped with only cuts and bruises, but is understandably very shaken," he said.

"There will be a heightened police presence in the area following this incident and I would like to reassure the public that we’re doing everything we can to identify the man responsible.

"If you witnessed the incident or have any dashcam or CCTV footage of the area at the time which could help us progress our investigation, please get in touch," Vale added.

Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey Police on 101, or go online here, and quote PR/45200100489, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.