DETECTIVES want to speak to this man in connection with the violent robbery of an 83-year-old woman.

North Yorkshire Police issued this CCTV image after the robbery, which happened in Wreyfield Drive, Scarborough, at about 11.20am on Saturday, August 4, when an 83 year-old woman was assaulted and robbed of her purse, which contained cash and personal items.

The elderly victim suffered a slight injury to her arm, but did not require medical attention as she was assisted by members of the public who made sure that she was safe and well after the incident.

Detective Constable David Adams of the force's Scarborough and Ryedale Serious Crime Team, said: "This was a particularly distressing and nasty experience for the elderly female victim in this case. I would appeal to any person who witnessed or has any information regarding this incident to come forward and contact the police.

"If any person knows who this male is please contact us as we need to locate him and speak with him urgently. No matter how relevant you think the information you have is, it may be key to our investigation into this incident which is currently ongoing. At this time I would like to thank the members of the public that stopped to help the victim in this case and who made sure she was safe after a particularly distressing ordeal."

Anyone who recognises the man in the image should phone police on 101, email SCTScarborough&Ryedale@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111, quoting reference 12180143529.