POLICE have launched a hunt after an 81-year-old woman had her bag snatched in Cliviger.

The incident took place yesterday at around 1.20pm in Mount Lane.

The victim had just got off a bus and was walking towards the centre of Cliviger.

A car, believed to be a purple Nissan Micra, pulled up 15 metres away from her. She was then approached by a man who slipped her bag off her shoulder and ran back to the car.

The bag stolen is described as black plastic and contained £10 cash, a number of bank cards, keys and cosmetics.

The man who took the bag is described as white with short dark hair, 20-30-years-old, wearing a dark-coloured jacket.

Police believe the car used in the attack may have been stolen.

DC Steve Mounsey, of Burnley CID, said: "This attack took place in broad daylight and the car, which could have been stolen, was being driven around the village.

"We would urge anyone who knows anything or saw something to contact us immediately." Fiona Burns lives in nearby Burnley Road. She saw the victim wandering up and down the street after the robbery.

She said: "From my house I could see an old lady knocking on doors.

"At first I thought she was a Jehova Witness, but then we could see she was in a state of distress."

Burnley CID can be contacted on: 01282 472143.