DETECTIVES are hunting three football fans who tried to rob a young woman.

The three young men, who all wore blue and white Hartlepool United shirts, attacked the 18-year-old as she walked through a built-up area on Monday.

She was approached at about 2.30pm by the men in Raby Road, near Hartlepool's Victoria Park ground.

One man started talking to her, and then tried to grab her handbag.

The other two then helped in the attempted robbery, and were only foiled by the woman's determination to escape.

She struggled free and the men ran off empty-handed along Raby Road and Broom Terrace.

Acting Detective Sergeant Jim Allen said it was not known whether they were making their way to Hartlepool's home game against Scunthorpe, which started at 3pm.

He said: "It was in broad daylight and there were lots of people around making their way to the match. It is always a busy road.

"The victim is shaken up, but, fortunately, she did not suffer any physical injuries and the attackers left empty-handed."

All of the attackers were white and aged 19 or 20. One was about 6ft, slim with bleached hair. He wore white tracksuit bottoms. One of the others had close-shaved, dark hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det Sgt Allen on (01642) 302126.