A 76-YEAR-OLD woman was injured and taken to hospital following an attempted bag snatch in Cirencester.

A man attempted to grab her handbag off her shoulder as she was arriving in the parish church porch for a service at 6pm on Sunday (February 5).

The woman was a visitor to the town, and had walked from her hotel to the church in Market Place.

As the man tried to snatch her bag she screamed and he let go, causing her to fall backwards onto the stone-flagged floor, injuring her hip.

The man ran off and the woman called for help.

Church officials went to her aid and one member of staff attempted to give chase, but was unable to catch the offender.

She was then admitted to Cirencester Hospital for treatment to significant bruising.

The victim described the mugger as probably white, of thin build and wearing murky beige or khaki clothing.

There were many people around at the time, including other worshippers and the church choir which was assembling in a room above the entrance.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident 372 of February 5.