The 73-year-old lady was making her way home from a night out at a pantomime when a man pushed her to the ground and stole her handbag at about 7.15pm in Roxburgh Street.

A hunt has been launched to trace the heartless attacker, who ran off before dumping her bag in Bank Street.

Detective Inspector David Wagstaff of Greenock CID said: "This is an absolutely despicable and deplorable crime to attack an elderly woman who was making her way home after enjoying a day out at the panto in Glasgow.

"I urge people to dig deep into their conscience to assist us in identifying the perpetrator."

DI Wagstaff said that the woman was with a friend when she got off the bus in Kilblain Street before they made their way up East Shaw Street and Bearhope Street.

When she reached upper Roxburgh Street she said goodbye to her friend and made her way up the street on her own - which was when the attacker struck.

DI Wagstaff added: "She was then pushed to the ground and somebody stole her handbag which contained a mobile phone and her purse.

"The perpetrator then ran off and the handbag was recovered at the rear of the Rangers Supporters' Club in Bank Street.

"A two figure sum of money was taken."

The attacker is described as about 5ft 10' tall and of slim build. He was wearing dark clothes and had his hood up.

Anyone with information should phone police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.