Police investigate attack of an elderly woman in an Ipswich street.

A man wearing dark clothing can be seen dragging the 79-year-old victim to the ground in the clip as he attempts to steal her handbag.

Police said the woman got out of her car in Victoria Street, close to the Westgate Ward Social Club, at around 7.35pm on Sunday.

Moments later she was dragged to the ground by the robber before he forced the bag off her and ran away towards London Road.

Westgate ward councillor Julian Gibbs said: “This is of great concern and will be to many people who live in the ward.

“I have seen the CCTV footage and it is quite shocking.

“It is totally unacceptable for this woman to be attacked and robbed like this.

He added: "The area near the social club is likely to have been busy at the time and so I would encourage people who saw what happened to contact the police.”

Detectives investigating the attack said the victim, who was shaken up and hurt her arm and shoulder, was wearing her handbag across her body at the time.

She had parked close to the social club and was grabbed by the man moments later.

Police chiefs are now urging potential witnesses to the attack to come forward with information.

They said the 79-year-old victim was wearing a distinctive red coat that may stand out to people who were in the area at the time.

Detectives are particularly keen to speak to three men who were seen walking across Victoria Street moments after the attack happened.

They also want to hear from anyone who saw a man in the area between 7.25pm and 7.45pm as a matter of urgency.

In the meantime, detectives are continuing their investigation into what happened.

Mr Gibbs added: “There have been a number of incidents across the borough in the last few weeks and months – we have had stabbings and armed robberies.

“A lot of people are worried the town is not safe – but the message I want to get across is that Suffolk and Ipswich are safe places to live and that people who live in the town can play a big role in catching the culprits by letting the police know what they have seen.”

To help police, call South CID at Landmark House on 101 quoting reference 71642/17 with information.

Or, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.