Police are searching for a robber who punched a 28-year-old woman before yanking off her purse in an East Village building lobby.

Police say the man, who appears to be about 25 to 30 years old, followed the victim into the lobby of 116 Ave. C at about 11:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11.

As she started to walk up the stairs, he grabbed her from behind and threw her to the ground.

The man then punched the woman several times in the face and stole the purse off her shoulder, then fled the building.

The suspect was about 5 feet 7 inches, with close-cropped hair. He was last seen wearing a dark t-shirt, beige-colored shorts and black high-top sneakers.

Anyone who recognizes the robber is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPs or at nypdcrimestoppers.com. 

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