A would-be robber who preyed on a pensioner on Christmas Eve got more than he bargained for when she knocked him over with her walking stick.

The 65-year-old woman fought back when the skinny man in his early 20s tried to take her handbag in the Clifton area of York, forcing him to flee empty-handed, North Yorkshire Police said.

A force spokesman said: "The man grabbed her handbag but the victim fought him off with her walking stick and he fell to the ground before running off empty-handed."

The attack happened near Clifton Green at about 9.40pm yesterday. Police said the man was white, 5ft 9ins tall, with a skinny build and short dark and curly or bushy hair. He was wearing light brown or mustard coloured jeans, and a dark jacket or jumper.

He was wearing light brown or mustard-coloured jeans and a dark jacket or jumper.

Anyone who can help officers with their enquiries is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 - select option 2 - and ask for York CID.

Alternatively, information can be emailed to YorkCID@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800-555-111.

Quote reference number 12140222349 when passing information about this incident.