Police have condemned a "heartless" attack on a 79-year-old woman who was mugged for �20.

The woman, who has not been named, was walking along Gullane High Street in East Lothian at about 1715 BST on Friday when she was attacked.

A teenager who approached from behind pushed her to the ground and stole her handbag, which contained the small amount of money and some bank cards.

This was a particularly heartless attack on a defenceless and vulnerable elderly woman

Sergeant Robbie Millar

Two other teenagers who saw what was happening went to the aid of the woman.

However, her attacker managed to get away.

Sergeant Ronnie Millar, of North Berwick police station, said: "This was a particularly heartless attack on a defenceless and vulnerable elderly woman.

"She is bearing up as well as can be expected in the circumstances."

Mr Millar said the police were very keen to speak to the young boy and girl who helped the old woman, as they may have seen the attacker.

The mugger was described as 15 to 16 years old and was wearing a light-coloured top and dark-coloured trousers.

Police said a faded red Vauxhall Astra estate was seen in Hamilton Road, Gullane, at the time of the incident with a man in the driver's seat.

A youth was seen getting into the passenger seat.

Witnesses have been urged to contact North Berwick police station.