POLICE are hunting a teenager who slapped and kicked a 73-year-old woman before robbing her of just £5.

The callous attack happened at 6pm last night as the victim was walking along Wellesley Street, Taunton, towards a fish and chip shop.

She heard voices behind her before she was approached by four young males.

A police spokesman said: “One of them asked if she had any money and after saying she didn’t she was hit by the male in the face with the back of his hand and then he kicked her knee.

“She fell to her knees, grabbing the fence next to her, at which point the robber has gone through her pockets and taken £5.”

The suspect is described as white, 16 to 18 years old, 5ft 5in tall, medium build, with numerous rings on his right hand, well-kept teeth and wearing a dark coloured hooded top.

DC Andy Eastwood said: “Please can anyone with any information come forward and help achieve some measure of justice for the victim, particularly any of the three other males in that group, although I hope the offender himself will be overcome by guilt after attacking such a vulnerable woman and hand himself in quickly.

“This is an unusual crime for Taunton and certainly an isolated incident, which is why I’m keen to get information on the offender quickly and prevent anyone else falling victim to this cowardly and nasty crime.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Eastwood on 101 quoting crime number 131015/14, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.