A woman was attacked after fending off a man who tried to snatch her handbag in Eastbourne.

The 56-year-old victim was in Bylands Close when a man in his early 20s demanded she hand over her bag.

When she refused and tried to push him away he lashed out, sending her sprawling to the ground. He fled towards Croxden Way.

The woman suffered cuts and bruises to her face but did not need hospital treatment after the attack at 8.30pm on Sunday.

The attacker was of average build, 5ft 11in tall, with dark eyebrows. He wore a dark hat and a padded jacket with a white motif on the front.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 0845 6070999.