A pensioner was left “extremely shaken” after a gang of youths knocked her off her bicycle and stole her handbag in King's Lynn.

A pensioner was left “extremely shaken” after a gang of youths knocked her off her bicycle and stole her handbag in King's Lynn.

The attack took place on the cycle path behind Netto on Edward Benefer Way, North Lynn, on Monday at about 2.45pm.

The 65-year-old was cycling alone when a teenager pulled his bike alongside hers.

She told police the youth appeared to lose control of his bicycle and collided with hers, knocking her to the floor.

As she lay on the ground, two more young men, also on bicycles, joined the first, and the three made off together.

They were chased by a man who had witnessed the incident but not caught.

The victim then discovered her black leather shoulder bag, containing personal property, bank cards, an orange and grey Nokia 3311 mobile phone and a black leather purse, was missing.

All three youths were aged between 14 and 17.

The first wore a denim jacket and denim hat; the others were slim, with one wearing a baseball cap and the other wearing a hooded top. All three were riding old-style mountain bikes.

Police spokesman Beth Manning said: “This incident happened in broad daylight and left the victim extremely shaken. We are appealing for any witnesses to the incident itself or to the three youths seen riding off from the scene.”

Contact PC Michael Synnott at King's Lynn police station on 0845 456 4567.