A grandmother was robbed of her handbag by a cyclist as she made he way home from church.

The 79-year-old was on her way home from her chapel in New Stevenson, North Lanarkshire when she was targeted.

She was approached by a man on a purple mountain bike, who snatched her bag and caused the elderly woman to fall, causing her to suffer a head injury, just after 10am on Tuesday.

The handbag contained several personal items of great sentimental value to the woman, including the last card given to her by her late-husband before he past away, which she is keen to have returned.

The incident occurred at a mini-roundabout in Park Street as she began to cross the road towards Kings Drive, and the suspect cycled off up Coronation Road.

The victim was taken to Wishaw Hospital and has since been released following treatment.

The man is described as white, in his early 20s with a slim build.

He was wearing a navy blue baseball cap and navy coloured jacket, possibly with a hood, and black Adidas trousers with three stripes down the side of each leg.

The bag he made off with is black with a small badge at the front and a lengthy shoulder strap attached.

Officers investigating the incident have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and are reviewing CCTV.

They are appealing for any motorists with dashcams to check their footage as it could assist the investigation.

The victims granddaughter Chloe Kennedy hopes it doesn't affect her grans independence.

She said: "Myself and the rest of the family are just distraught that this has happened to my gran especially in New Stevenston where she has lived for years.

"We just hope that going forward from today this doesn't affect her any further as she's always been so independent."

Chloe also confirmed that the incident has left her gran "badly shaken".

Detective constable Colin Pendrich said: "This area is pretty populated and is overlooked by several houses so it's possible someone saw this cyclist, either before or after the incident and thought nothing of it at the time.

"This man clearly has no conscience, to target an elderly lady as she's walking along the road is despicable behaviour and it's imperative we find him.

"If you have any information or recognise the description of the suspect then please do contact us, even if you think your information is not important, please pass it on and let us judge its significance - it could prove vital."

Anyone with information is asked to call CID officers at Wishaw Police Station via 101.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.