Police have issued a CD-fit image of a man who punched a woman in the face in a Worthing subway, then grabbed her purse.

The 22-year-old fought back against the bag snatcher, who attacked her as she dashed to Worthing Hospital to visit a friend.

She had been making her way to the accident and emergency department via the subway under Chapel Road when the mugger lashed out and knocked her down.

As she fell he grabbed her handbag and began to pull. The woman tugged back and punched him hard but he hit her again.

The man stole her beige wallet, containing cash and personal papers, and fled into Wenban Road.

Detective Constable Andrea Thompson said: "The victim has been left bruised and in pain. She punched the man, possibly in the face, with quite some force.

"We hope the CD-fit will help jog people's memories."

The thief was white, 5ft 10in to 5ft 11in and aged 20 to 30.

He wore a dark beanie-type woollen hat, a dark, short-sleeved T-shirt and dark trousers. He was clean-shaven and of medium build.

Anyone with information about the assault, which happened at 1am on August 16, should call the police on 0845 6070999.