On Tuesday we reported a police appeal for witnesses to a robbery in St Leonards.

An 88-year-old man had withdrawn £300 from the Post Office in London Road whe he got outside he was grabbed and his attacker reached into the pocket of his coat, taking his wallet containing the cash. The victim was left shaken and with a serious arm injury.

Inspector Aidan Cornwall said: “This was a truly despicable incident.”

Within hours local woman Katrina Palombo had launched an online appeal to get the old man his money back, she wrote: “I am hoping to raise money to reimburse and send some flowers to the poor pensioner who was violently attacked in St Leonards on Monday.

“I am appalled at this crime on an elderly victim as I am sure others are too.”

In just two hours Katrina had reached her target with pledges for £339, she wrote to her followers: “Thank you so much dear residents of Hastings and St Leonards who have supported this fundraiser – really appreciate your support.

“I will go to the police station tomorrow and will keep you updated. I hope that together we will have made a difference.”

In May last year we reported that another elderly man had been robbed, this time in his home in Blackman Avenue and local people chipped in then too, to make up his losses.