A woman chased a yob who snatched her handbag in Boscombe on Saturday afternoon.

The victim, a 53-year-old Bournemouth woman, was on the railway bridge in Ashley Road at 1.50pm when she was approached by a man who grabbed the bag, took out her purse and ran off.

However, she and another member of the public pursued the offender, who ran in the direction of the bus station turning right onto Tower Road toward Palmerston Road.

Another man managed to stop the robber and recover the stolen property.

During the confrontation, the suspect’s T-shirt was removed.

Police are now appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Constable Neil Third, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I would like to hear from the member of the public, a man, who assisted the victim in her pursuit of the offender.”

The suspect has been described as white, aged in his late twenties, around six feet tall, of slight build and tanned. He has short brown hair and was wearing a charcoal T-shirt and grey shorts.

No arrests have been made.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 20:322. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.