Appeal for witnesses after elderly woman robbed

Police are appealing for witnesses to a robbery of an elderly woman in Porirua, north of Wellington, last night.

The 73-year-old was robbed about 10pm last night in the east Porirua suburb of Cannons Creek.

She was returning to her daughter's home after a night playing Housie at the Cannons Creek Hall, Detective Constable Sarah Waugh of Porirua CIB said.

A man approached her in the alleyway between Astrolabe Street and Warspite Avenue and pushed her to the ground.

He grabbed the woman's handbag and took a small amount of money. He then returned the bag to her and ran off.

The man was described as Caucasian, 50-60 years of age, with a moustache and wearing a white shirt, blue jeans and a white wrist watch.

Anyone with information was asked to contact police.

- NZPA