Police are appealing for information after an attempted robbery in Littlemore.

Two women, aged 33 and 42, were walking along Sandford Road at approximately 11.15pm on Wednesday, December 8, when the incident happened. Police only released details today.

As the women were walking past the George pub, they saw a man standing outside who they thought was waiting for a bus.

When they got past the man, he ran at them, startling the women. When the women turned to look at him, he stopped and apologised.

The women were nervous and decided to run away, at which point the man has chased after them and told them to hand over their bags. The women ran into the nearby pub, where members of the public helped them and made sure the man had gone before letting them leave.

The man was described as white, between 5ft 10in and 6ft tall, with blond hair and a thin, drawn face.

He was wearing a blue anorak with a white, horizontal stripe across the back, jeans and white trainers.

Det Con Steve Martin said: “The incident wasn’t reported to police until the following day, so we weren’t able to respond on the evening.

“The behaviour of this man is clearly a little strange, and I am keen to trace him.

“I would ask anyone with was in the Littlemore or Sandford area at the time of the incident who may have seen this man to come forward and speak to me as soon as possible.

“Do you recognise the description of this man? Have you seen him in the area before?”

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Martin via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, you can contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.