Police are appealing for witnesses after a youth attempted to snatch a woman’s handbag from her in Banbury.

The incident happened at about 3.35pm on Friday, as the 48-year-old woman was walking along the footpath that leads from Hillview County Primary School in Hillview Crescent.

As the woman walked towards Hillview Park, two teenage boys ran past her, followed moments later by a third youth. As he ran past her, he tried to grad her bag from her.

The woman kept hold of the bag and the boy lost his grip and ran off with the two other youths in the direction of Longelandes Lane.

The third youth is described as white, about 5ft 10in tall, aged about 17, slight build, with dark brown hair and a fringe down to his eyebrows. He was wearing a turquoise hooded top with the hood up and a dark-coloured jacket and trousers.

The two other youths are described as white, about 5ft 10in tall and aged about 17. They were both wearing light-grey hooded tops.

PC Evonne Beckett said: “I am keen to hear from anyone who may have seen three youths in this area at the time of this offence, or anyone who may have seen where they went afterwards.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who recognises this description and has any information that can help me with my investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact PC Beckett via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505, or alternatively contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.