A MUGGER pulled an elderly woman to the floor and threatened to throw her in the canal if she did not give them her handbag.
The victim was targeted as she walked along the towpath of the Nottingham Canal, near Castle Boulevard, at about 11am on Monday.
A man on a bike rode past her on the path and then waited behind nearby bushes before pulling her to the floor and trying to steal her handbag.
She let go of her bag after the attacker threatened to throw her in the canal.
Detective constable Dionne Love, from the Meadows CID, said: "This was a despicable, cowardly attack on an elderly woman walking alone along the towpath, which is usually a pleasant and popular area to walk.
"We believe that the man who carried out the attack may live locally and I am sure that local residents will want to provide any information that may be helpful."
The victim did not sustain serious injuries and is expected to make a full recovery, but was left badly shaken and upset.
The man rode off with the bag. He is described as white, aged between 20 and 25, slim and with dark hair. He was wearing dark-coloured clothing with the hood up.
It is believed he was with another man on a bicycle on the towpath shortly before the attack.
Anyone with information should contact DC Dionne Love on 101 ext 8536460, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
