AN ELDERLY woman was left shaken after a thief snatched her purse out of her hands in Benfleet.

Police are appealing for any witnesses after the incident in Woodham Park Drive, near Benfleet station on September 10, around 11.35am.

The purse contained cash, bank cards, a bus and rail pass and house keys.

The victim was left shaken but injured.

She described the thief as a young man of average height wearing a black hooded jacket.

Any witnesses to the incident or anyone with information is asked to contact Pc Ahren Perry at Rayleigh police station on 101.