A PENSIONER from Newton Abbot was left in a state of shock after being robbed in Exeter.

The 68-year-old victim was walking her dog past a city centre pub on a Sunday morning when the attacker pounced.

Police say the woman, who has not been named, escaped injury as the thief snatched her purse containing £15.

The drama happened in South Street outside Wetherspoon’s George’s Meeting House between 8am and 9am on October 16. Details were only released a week after the crime.

Detectives say the offender was dark-skinned and sported a beard and moustache.

He was wearing a beanie hat, red coat and a scarf.

Det Sgt David Lewandowski said: ‘The victim was approached by a man who at first made a grab for her dog which was not harmed.

‘He then snatched her white purse containing £15 in cash.’

He added: ‘This was a particularly unpleasant crime. Although the woman was not injured she was very shaken up by the incident.’

He appealed to anyone with information about the matter to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference CR/073454/16.

‘We would particularly like to hear from a woman who was walking nearby at the time with the aid of walking sticks. We think she may have information that can help us with our investigation,’ said DS Lewandowski.