DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses following a violent handbag robbery on a riverside towpath.

It occurred just after 12.30pm today (Friday, May 10) on the River Foss towpath at Foss Islands in York.

When the 54-year-old victim, a local woman, tried to resist, the robber hit her, knocking her to the ground before stealing the distinctive green handbag. He then fled on a black pushbike, riding off towards Sainsbury’s supermarket.

As a result of the incident the victim was left with minor injuries and shock.

The man being hunted is in his twenties, with a slim build and about 5ft 7in tall. At the time he was wearing a dark coloured top and trousers.

Detective Sergeant Mark Jackson said: “Thankfully the victim has not been seriously injured. However, it could have been far worse and she has been left very shaken and upset by this nasty incident.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact York CID on 101, select option two and ask for Mark Jackson. Alternatively information can be emailed to yorkcid@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.