TWO women leapt out of a car and fought off a robber who was attacking a lone woman for her handbag.

A 23-year-old woman was walking in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, late at night when a man grabbed hold of her bag and assaulted her to make her let go of it.

Police have saluted the bravery of two women who left a nearby car and went to the victim's aid.

They pushed the man away and he ran off, dropping the bag and its contents. The victim was unhurt.

Detectives want to trace the two women, who are likely to have vital information.

Detective Constable Andy Bell of Bournemouth CID said: "Fortunately for the victim, two women, who were in a red car nearby, saw what was happening and went to the victim's aid.

"The two good Samaritans pushed the robber away and he ran off, dropping his victim's bag and scattering the contents across the pavement. I can't praise their actions highly enough.

"I wish to speak with these two brave women most urgently as they will have information that is important to my investigation to identify and arrest the man responsible for this cowardly attack on a lone woman.

"This area was very busy at the time and I'd also like to hear from anyone else who saw what happened to this woman."

The attack happened near SOS Recruitment on Wednesday August 27 at around 11pm.

Anyone with information should ring Dorset Police on 01202 222 222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.