An 85-year-old woman is in hospital with serious injuries after a street assault and robbery in the Borders.

The pensioner was attacked on Croft Street in Galashiels at around midday on Saturday.

Police said the attacker was wearing a dark grey hooded top with the hood up. He ran down Greenbank Street in the direction of the Croft Street flats carrying the victim's beige handbag.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, and are particularly keen to speak to a man who ran after the robber through the passage towards Greenbank Street.

Detective inspector Paul Batten said: "This robbery has left an elderly lady with serious injuries and we are keen to speak to anyone who saw the robbery or any suspicious behaviour in the area around 12 noon.

"Similarly we would like to hear from anyone who can help us trace the suspect who we believe to be local to the area."

Anyone with information can contact officers on 101 or anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.