Woman in her eighties fights off attacker by punching him in the face

Police are appealing for more information on the attack which took place in Kent

(Getty Images)

A woman in her eighties has defended herself from a would-be thief by punching him in the mouth.

The woman was allegedly attacked as she walked her dog in Whitstable, Kent, yesterday morning at 7.20am.

She was approached by a man, said to be dressed in black with a hoody tied up to hide his mouth and nose, in an alleyway between Bellevue Road and Invicata Road.

After approaching the victim, the man – who is believed to have grey hair – grabbed her before she fought him off. He is thought to have left the alleyway in the direction of the Crab and Winkle Way.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Fotheringham, who is overseeing the investigation, said: “It appears the suspect has picked on the wrong person in this instance and she was able to bravely fight him off.”

Police are appealing for any information on the attack.

Please contact Kent Police on 101 quoting reference 14*341. Alternatively contact Kent CrimeStoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555111.