Two boys, who could be as young as 12 years old, assaulted a woman in her 50s and stole her purse in Weymouth.

The woman was pushed over on the Chapelhay Steps by a young boy at around 7pm on Tuesday, November 5.

Another boy, working with the first one, pretended to help the victim back up and stole her purse from her handbag.

She suffered pain to her side as a result of the assault, but did not require immediate medical attention.

The attacker who pushed the victim is described as white, aged between 12 and 14 and of slim build with dark brown medium-length hair. He was wearing a black coat, dark blue jeans, black trainers and a dark-coloured woolly hat.

The other boy is described as white, of a similar age, of stocky build and with short mousey hair. He was wearing a grey hooded top, jeans and trainers.

Police Constable Caroline Orchard, of Weymouth police, said: “This was a nasty unprovoked attack by one boy and the other then stole her purse as he appeared to be helping her.

“We are determined to identify those involved in this incident and I would ask any witnesses or anyone with information that can assist our investigation to please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190175024. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.