Hastings residents raise money for pensioner who was robbed in street

The elderly victim had just withdrawn £300 from the Post Office in London Road when he was approached by an unknown man at around 2.20pm on Monday (March 15), police said.

The suspect grabbed the victim’s arm and reached into the pocket of his coat, taking his wallet containing the cash, a police spokesman said.

Police said the victim was left shaken and with a serious arm injury.

After police appealed for witnesses to the incident, Katrina Polombo set up a fundraiser on Facebook to reimburse the victim and to send him some flowers.

Within hours, £339 was raised which will be taken to Hastings Police station today.

Katrina said: “I was so upset to hear about this poor man that I just wanted to help.

“So I organised the fundraiser to help recuperate the money he had stolen.

“And the fundraiser target was achieved in a matter of hours by the kind residents of Hastings and St Leonards. So I will be taking their donations to the Hastings police station today to request they be passed on to the victim with our love.”

Police said the suspect fled in the direction of Norman Road.

He is described as white, in his mid-30s, 6ft, of lean build and with dark hair. He was wearing a black jacket and a white hooded jumper.

Inspector Aidan Cornwall said: “This was a truly despicable incident where an 88-year-old man has been left with a horrific injury as a result.

“We are committed to identifying and bringing this suspect to justice and I would strongly urge any members of our community who may have information about this incident to make contact with us.”

Anyone who witnessed the robbery, or who may have any other information, is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 quoting serial 729 of 15/03.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.