A THIEF fled empty-handed after attempting to snatch a woman’s bag in Southampton.

The suspect reached for the 57-year-old’s bag outside the Gordon Arms pub, in Gordon Road, Portswood, at 6.18pm yesterday.

But the woman pulled it away and then swung it at him when he demanded her purse.

He is described as white, 6ft, 38 to 40-years-old, slim build, short dark straight hair with a slight fringe, clean-shaven and clean complexion. He was wearing a black bomber style waist length jacket, which had dark brown panels on the front and black trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Ian Swan at Portswood police station on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.