Two youths failed in their attempt to rob two women at knife point as they walked home in Didcot.

The middle-aged women were approached by the youths as they returned home along Longford Drive, Didcot, at around 1am on Sunday.

They had spent the day in London

One of the youths, who were aged between 16 and 20, produced a knife with a five inch blade and threatened the women, demanding their handbags.

The offenders ran off empty-handed after one of the women started screaming and the other dialled 999 on her mobile phone.

The victims were left shaken, but were otherwise unhurt. Police searched the area, but were unable to find any trace of the youths.

They are described as being between 5ft 5in and 5ft 10in and of slim to medium build.

The attackers were wearing beanie, ski-type hats and black bomber jackets.

There were a number of people in the area at the time of the incident and police are appealing for anyone who saw what happened to contact them.

Witnesses to the attack should call either Didcot police station on 01235 516815, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.