The woman was crossing a footbridge over the A339 near the Newbury Retail Park at 9.30am when she was grabbed by the hair by a man who came running up to her from behind.

The woman was walking with her two children in a pushchair when the incident happened.

He demanded money from her and she handed over £7 in cash, and he then ran off towards the retail park.

The offender is a white man, medium build and about 5ft 8ins in height, who spoke with a local accent. He was wearing a knee-length waxed coat.

The case is being investigated by DC Rob Tomblin of Newbury CID, who said: “This woman was walking with her little children when this happened and it has really shocked her. It happened in a public place which was very exposed so we are hoping someone will have seen it and can come forward with details leading to the identification of the offender.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Tomblin at Newbury CID via the police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505, or leave a message with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they don’t want to speak to an officer or leave their name.