A robber who attacked a pregnant woman before making off with her handbag has been branded “cowardly and contemptible” by police.

The man struck as the woman was walking on Crow Road, Glasgow, near to Morrisons, on Friday night.

He followed the 27-year-old woman and then struck her on the head, causing her to fall to the ground.

While another man came to her aid, the robber ran off with her mustard-coloured handbag.

The emergency services were called and the woman was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University hospital to be checked by medics. Police Scotland said she was left “badly shaken” by the incident.

Officers are working to find the attacker, who is described as white, in his 30s, about 5ft 7ins and of average build. He was wearing a black hooded jacket and black trousers.

Police have been gathering CCTV footage from the area and Detective Sergeant Robert Bowie said: “Enquiries carried out so far show the suspect was loitering in Crow Road near to the bollards at Foulis Lane.

“He has then followed the woman and struck her on the back of the head. His actions are cowardly and contemptible, and it’s imperative we trace him.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident to consider if you noticed this man, perhaps he caught your eye when he was loitering near the bollards.

“The stolen bag is a mustard-coloured handbag, which the suspect may have discarded. If anyone finds the bag, I would ask them to hand it into police as we can examine it for forensic opportunities. If anyone has any information or knowledge regarding the incident or the suspect, then please do get in touch.”