A 22-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery after an elderly woman was pushed to the ground and had her handbag stolen during an attack in north Belfast.
Police said the woman, aged in her 80s, had just left a shop close to the Cliftonville Circus area of the Oldpark Road when her attacker struck shortly before 7.25am on Saturday.
After pushing the woman to the ground, the man made off with her handbag and shopping bag.
He was later arrested and remains in custody assisting police with their enquiries.
Inspector Adam Corner said: "It is believed the man had been loitering in the area prior to the robbery.
"The lady was taken to hospital. She has sustained a bump to her head, and has been left traumatised after this shameful and cowardly act.
"I'm keen to thank the member of the public who immediately reported this incident to us. Thanks to prompt action, we were able to make an arrest shortly afterwards and the lady’s belongings have been recovered."
Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact officers on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
