A WOMAN fought off a man on a bike who tried to steal her handbag in New Milton.

The incident unfolded at around 7am last Wednesday (January 17) in Pleasance Way.

The victim, a woman in her 50s, was approached by an unknown man on a bicycle who tried to steal her handbag, Hampshire Police said.

“The victim refused to hand over her bag and has subsequently fallen to the floor in the struggle, sustaining minor injuries in the process,” they added.

“The suspect has continued to try and steal the bag while the victim was on the floor. He eventually rode off on his bike, leaving empty-handed.”

The suspect is described as white, in his late teens to 30 years-old, of slim build and under 6ft tall.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time, saw anything suspicious, or has any photos or video footage, on 101, incident number 44240023342.

They can also report any information online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, or via Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or through their website.