POLICE say it is “imperative” they catch a violent mugger who broke a woman’s hip and shoulder in a bag snatch in North Finchley.

The victim, a 60-year-old woman, was walking along Granville Road at about 6.40pm on Monday, February 14, when the man crossed the street and demanded her bag.

He grabbed it and in doing so forced her to the floor, before running off towards High Road.

The woman managed to get to a local business where they alerted police, but was only able to give a description of the thief as a black man with curly hair to officers, as it happened so quickly.

Trainee Detective Constable Alan Horsfall said: "We urgently need the help of the public in identifying this character as he showed no regard for the victim causing her great pain and injury.

"A robbery is never acceptable, but when it is done with such violence that someone is seriously hurt, then it becomes imperative that the criminal is arrested, charged and prosecuted.

"Anyone who saw the incident or may have noticed someone acting suspiciously in the vicinity at around 6 to 7pm on Monday 14th is asked to come forward."

Witnesses are asked to call police on 0300 123 1212, or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 2403813/11.