POLICE in Christchurch are hunting a robber who temporarily blinded his elderly victim, before stealing her handbag.

The incident happened on Saturday as the 79-year-old woman was walking towards a block of flats in Waterford Place, Highcliffe.

As she walked towards the foyer of the flats at about 2.30pm, a man grabbed her arm, twisted her around and sprayed an unknown substance in her face.

Leaving his elderly victim temporarily blinded, the man grabbed her handbag and ran off.

Detective Constable Sara Eckersley of Christchurch CID said: "We are determined to find the man responsible for this cowardly attack.

"Although Waterford Place was quiet at the time of the robbery, we think that the man may have followed his victim from the High Street, where passers-by may have seen someone acting suspiciously.

"The victim, who was left very shaken by her ordeal, is also desperate for us to find her attacker and is offering a £100 award for information leading to his conviction."

The elderly victim was taken to hospital where she received treatment for eye injuries.

She has now been discharged and is expected to make a full recovery.

The only description police have of the thief is that he is short, probably under five feet eight inches tall, and white. It is not known om which direction the man ran off.

Police would like to find the woman's handbag which may have been discarded nearby.

It is a Bullaggi, tan coloured PVC bag with two handles and contained some cash, personal items and jewellery of great sentimental value.

Police are urging anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously in the Highcliffe area on Saturday afternoon to contact them.

If you have any information, call DC Eckersley at Christ-church CID on 01202 486333 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.