Detectives have released images after an elderly woman “wrestled” with a man who tried to steal her handbag at Plumstead rail station.

The 73-year-old woman was targeted by a man who tried to swipe her belongings on March 29 at around 3.50pm.

The victim refused to give up her bag and managed to walk away unharmed despite being threatened.

CCTV images have now been released by British Transport Police (BTP) of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the attempted robbery.

Detective Constable Mark Agrippa, of BTP’s robbery squad, said: “The man clearly thought this lady would be an easy target.

“When she refused to give up her property he threatened her, but this was not enough to make her release her bag.

“In the end, the victim managed to wrestle the bag from the man’s grasp and leave the station unharmed."

He went on to say her attacker also left the station via the ticket office.

DC Agrippa added: “This was a very frightening experience for the woman involved and it is vital that we find the individual responsible to ensure this incident does not happen again.

“We believe the man in the images can help us with our investigation and would urge anyone who recognises him to contact us.”

Anyone who recognises the man is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference SSUB/B8 of 03/06/2014 Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.