A pensioner was robbed of Christmas Club money she had collected while on her way to deposit the funds in a 'despicable' attack.

Police in Forth Valley are appealing for witnesses after the 74-year-old woman was robbed on Webster Avenue, Carronshore, Falkirk.

The incident happened around 10.15 am when two youths on bicycles approached the woman and stole her handbag.

Police said she was on her way to deposit cash collected for a Christmas club.

The youths are described as being between 18 to 20 years old wearing dark jeans and jackets.

One had dark bushy hair and was of medium build and the other was thin with short fair hair. Both were clean-shaven.

They were seen to be cycling south in the lane between Webster Avenue and Roughlands Crescent.

Officers are now urging anyone who can assist them with their inquiries to come forward.

Inspector John Kellet said: “This was a despicable attack on an older woman who was making her way to the Post Office.

“This sort of incident is rare in this area and my officers are carrying out door-to-door inquiries to reassure the local community and in the hope that someone will have information that can assist us in tracing these suspects.”