Woman, 73, robbed of handbag at Hanwell Cemetery on Christmas Eve

An elderly woman was violently robbed at a cemetery in west London after cleaning her late husband's grave on Christmas Eve. The 73-year-old victim was approached from behind before the thief snatched her handbag, causing her to fall to the ground and sustain minor injuries.

The incident happened at Hanwell Cemetery on Uxbridge Road, Hanwell, at 1.30pm. After stealing the handbag, the suspect left the cemetery two minutes later walking off briskly towards Church Road while covering his face. The handbag was recovered by a member of the public nearby but the woman's purse was missing.

Detectives today (31 December) released CCTV image of a male suspect in relation to the incident.

The suspect is described as a skinny man and about 5ft 9ins tall. He was wearing a black scarf covering his face, a grey hooded top, a black coat and jeans.

A Met Police spokesman said: "The robbery took place in broad daylight and police are keen to speak to members of the public who saw a man matching this description walking briskly away from the scene, with his face covered and hood up.

"Anyone who has information about the incident or who recognises the man should call Ealing CID via 101 or email Tom.Henley@met.police.uk or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."