A woman had her bag snatched as she walked home late at night in Banbury at the weekend, police said today.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the snatch theft in Broughton Road at 2.30am on Sunday after a night out in the town centre.

A small white car, possibly a Vauxhall Astra, pulled up alongside the woman and the driver asked if she wanted a lift home.

She declined, but as she carried on walking, the car drew up alongside her again. One of the two men then got out and pulled her handbag from her shoulder.

The shoulder strap broke, sending the contents of her bag all over the floor. The man picked up her purse and got back into the car which drove off.

The men are both Asian. The driver is in his 20s with short, dark hair and was wearing a dark top.

The passenger, who stole the purse, is 5ft 5ins, average build with short, dark hair. He was wearing a white top and blue jeans.

Pc Keith Devonish, of Banbury Police, who is investigating the incident, said: "We had another incident on Sunday where a woman was stopped by men in a white car and, in light of this, we would advise women to take care when out on their own and to ensure that people know where they are and when they are expected home."

Anyone with information should call police on 08458 505505.