Elderly Woman Robbed in Hanwell Cemetery

Handbag stolen as she cleaned her husband's grave on Christmas Eve

Police in Ealing have released a CCTV still of a man they would like to speak with after an elderly woman was the victim of a robbery.

The 73-year-old woman was cleaning her late husband's grave on Christmas Eve when she was approached from behind and robbed of her handbag. As the bag was taken she fell to the ground and suffered minor injuries.

CCTV still of man police wish to speak with

The incident happened at Hanwell Cemetery, W7 at 1.30pm on Thursday, 24 December.

After stealing the handbag, the suspect left the cemetery at 1.32pm walking off briskly towards Church Road whilst covering his face.

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

The handbag was recovered by a member of the public nearby but the woman's purse was missing.

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.

December 31, 2015