Disabled woman robbed in broad daylight

The incident happened at around 11am on Friday November 15, police revealed today (November 25).

The woman, 50, who walks with the aid of two crutches, was making her way along a footpath between the Snooty Fox public house and Lidl’s supermarket, Three Bridges. As she reached a point near Cover House she saw two men coming towards her.

One was of Asian appearance, 18 to 25, slight build, 5’10” to 6’, with dark, collar-length unkempt hair. He was wearing a dark blue hoodie with the hood up, blue jeans and clean, sand-coloured suede boots. He spoke with an English accent.

The second man was white - possibly East European, 18 to 25, of athletic build, 5’8” to 5’10”, wearing a maroon red hoodie with the hood up, blue jeans and white trainers. He did not speak.

The Asian man demanded that the woman hand over her black leather handbag, which she did. He then demanded her jewellery, which she refused, striking him with one of her crutches.

This was wrenched from her grasp by the second man. She was knocked to the ground, and both robbers then forcibly removed her jewellery before running off in the direction of Three Bridges railway station.

The jewellery, Worth around £2,000, also held great sentimental value, as it had belonged to her mother and grandmother before her. Two of the items - a ring and a bracelet - bore distinctive Welsh dragon designs.

The woman was left badly shaken but otherwise unhurt.

Anyone who saw what happened or who has other information which may help detectives investigating the robbery is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101, quoting serial 1539 of 19/11, or email [email protected].

Alternatively they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.