A WOMAN was robbed in Greenock last night and her car was later stolen.

The victim, 34, had been confronted by a man known to her in Brachelston Street and she was forced to hand over her mobile phone and valuables.

It happened around 5.15pm.

During the ordeal the thug rifled through her handbag before taking items from inside.

The woman fled in a taxi, before returning to find her Vauxhall Corsa was gone.

Greenock CID are now urgently appealing for help to trace the taxi driver, who would have witnessed the robbery.

Detective Inspector David Wagstaff said: "We believe the taxi driver may have witnessed some of what happened.

"The victim got in the taxi to get away from the area to return a short time afterward and find her car was gone.

"The red Vauxhall Corsa was later recovered nearby.

"We are appealing for any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time.

"The 34-year-old was approached by the man, known to her, she was verbally abused and he took her mobile phone off her. He then rifled through her handbag and made off with items.

"The female then got into a taxi sitting nearby and left the location."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Greenock Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 111 888.