A BRAVE youngster chased after a robber who knocked an elderly woman over and stole her handbag.

Police are now trying to track down the have-a-go-hero who managed to retrieve the woman's bag and ensure she was alright.

It happened after the woman, who is in her eighties, was robbed in Meadow View Walk at about 12.45pm yesterday.

She suffered a cut to her hand from where the bag had been ripped from her grasp.

Investigating officer Det Con Andrew Coles said: “This was an appalling attack on a elderly and vulnerable woman. She was approached from behind by a youth with his face covered who tried to snatch her handbag. She wouldn’t let go at first and tried to keep hold of the bag, but when they both fell over he got away.

“We know that a teenager or young man chased him and returned with the bag but he did not stop at the scene to give his name or address. We hope he will come forward because he may have important information about the thief. "

The good samaritan is about 16 years old, about 5ft 7in tall, slim and was wearing dark clothing with a hooded top.

The thief was about 5ft 5in tall, slim, aged 15 to 16 and wearing a dark hoody that covered his face.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.