A WOMAN beat off a would-be street robber who tried to steal her handbag in broad daylight.

The 32-year-old was walking by the junction of Barkerhouse Road and Chapel Street, Nelson, when she was approached by two teenagers.

One of them tried to grab her handbag but she fought back and kicked his legs.

The other teenager said something to the offender, possibly in Urdu, and the pair fled.

The incident happened at 11.55pm on Tuesday.

Sergeant John Fryer said: "A street robbery in broad daylight is not good and the woman could have suffered serious injuries.

"The other teenager did not do anything, so in effect he is a witness and we would appeal for him or anyone else to come forward."

The teenagers are described as Asian, aged about 14 and 5ft 2ins. The offender was wearing a blue tracksuit tucked into his socks and blue trainers.

The other boy was wearing a light blue tracksuit tucked into his socks.

Anyone with information should call police on 01282 425001.