The woman was walking along Spencers Road, West Green at 4pm when a male came up behind her, and pushing her into the road, tried to snatch her handbag before running away.

A witness stepped into help the woman and offered the victim a description of the man.

Police are appealing for the witness to come forward to aid the police in identifying the male.

The incident occured on Wednesday 19 March.

A police spokesman said: "It is believed the witness maybe able to offer a better description to aid police in locating the suspect.

"The victim has described the witness as being approx. 6'2 in height, medium build, smooth head with no hair and clean shaven.

He was smartly dressed wearing black trousers, black shoes and a black jacket.

"The witness offered to stay but told he was not required by the victim so he continued walking towards the Asda car park possibly towards Crawley town centre."

Police have asked for the witness to contact PC Aubrey on Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 quoting serial 1050 19/03/08.