A HANDBAG snatcher was foiled after his potential victim scared him off by screaming. A 43-year-old woman was walking a cycle track to the rear of Thundridge Close, in the Panshanger area of WGC. A man approached her from behind and attempted to grab her

A HANDBAG snatcher was foiled after his potential victim scared him off by screaming.

A 43-year-old woman was walking a cycle track to the rear of Thundridge Close, in the Panshanger area of WGC.

A man approached her from behind and attempted to grab her handbag.

The woman, from WGC, refused to let go and began screaming, drawing the attention of a nearby resident who called to her from their flat window.

It was enough to scare the offender off, who ran off.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the attempted mugging, at 10.40pm on Monday.

The suspect is described as white, aged 17 to 18. He had a thin face and was wearing a dark blue or black tracksuit.

Detective sergeant Paul Rogers said: "This attempted robbery has left the victim understandably very shaken and we are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or who has more information."

Call police on 0845 33 00 222 with any information.