73 year old left shaken with bruising after handbag grab incident in central city this afternoon

An elderly woman has suffered bruising and was left shaken after a woman attempted to snatch her bag in Courtenay Place just after midday.

Detective Sergeant Penny Gifford says the 73 year old woman was walking along Kent Terrace, towards Oriental Parade, near the fire station, having just used a nearby ATM machine in Courtenay Place.

"The victim was followed by another woman who then tried to grab her handbag. The victim put up a struggle but was punched in the neck and face."

Detective Sergeant Gifford says at the same time, a fire officer came to the victim's aid and the offender then fled, dropping the handbag and headed towards Kent Terrace.

The victim required medical treatment by Ambulance staff at the scene and has been left extremely shaken with bruising.

"We would like to hear from a woman who was driving a white van and pulled over to provide assistance to the victim. We'd also like to hear from anyone else who was in the area at the time."

Anyone with any information should phone Police on (04) 381 2000 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.