A grandmother has been robbed by a man on a bike during an early morning assault.

The 75-year-old was on her way home from chapel in New Stevenson, Motherwell, when the cyclist struck.

Just after 10am on Tuesday the woman was approached by a man on a purple mountain bike who snatched her bag, causing her to fall and sustain a head injury.

The handbag contained several personal items of great sentimental value to the woman who is keen to have the contents 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 bike he was riding is described as a purple coloured mountain bike.

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

Officers are appealing for any motorists with dash cameras to check their footage as it could assist the investigation.

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.