A WOMAN was forced to the ground and robbed outside the church at the Matchborough Centre in Redditch.

The woman, who is aged in her 40s, was assaulted by a man wearing a hooded jacket near to the bus stop outside the church in Matchborough Way on Monday (March 1).

The incident happened at around 3.30pm, when the man, who is also believed to be in his 40s, approached the victim and forced her to the ground, taking her mobile phone and hotel key card.

Police are appealing for information and are particularly interested to hear from any passengers on a nearby bus at the time.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "We are appealing for any information relating to a reported robbery and assault in Redditch on Monday, March 1.

"At around 3.30pm, a man in his 40s has approached a woman and forced her to the ground taking her mobile phone and hotel key card, near to the bus stop and outside the church at the Matchborough Centre on Matchborough Way.

"The man is described as white, wore a dark blue long sleeved hooded jacket and a dark blue body-warmer.

"He had a bald head with a goatee style beard.

"The victim, a woman in her 40s, was wearing a white puffer style coat and black trousers with white stars.

"She has received minor injuries during the attack.

"We would very much like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident especially those that where on a nearby bus at the time and may have witnessed the incident."

Anyone with information is asked to report it on the police website here or call 101, quoting crime number 00380i.

If you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111. It is 100 per cent anonymous, they never ask your name and they cannot trace your call or IP address.