A ‘FEISTY’ 87-year-old woman fought off a ‘cowardly’ robber who tried to steal her handbag in the street.

Police said the pensioner began a “tug-of-war” with the yob in a bid to keep hold of her bag but she would not let go.

Eventually he was scared off after a motorist passed the scene.

Officers are now hunting the attacker following the incident in Chatburn Street, near the junction of Saunders Lane, in Blackburn.

The victim is now being comforted by her family. She was unhurt in the incident, which left her badly shaken up.

Detective Constable Keith Rimmer said: “This woman was targeted because of her vulnerability. The man obviously thought she was an easy target but she proved to be anything but that.

“He ran up behind her and told her to hand over the bag. She refused and he tried to grab it from her. Then a tug-of-war began as both refused to let go.

“He was very abusive towards her as he was trying to pull the bag away.”

He said that as the tustle continued a car travelling along Saunders Lane disturbed the robber who fled along Chatburn Road.

At the time of the incident the pensioner was walking to her home after a shopping trip to Blackburn town centre.

DC Rimmer added: “The victim is quite a fiesty woman but she could have been quite badly hurt.

“She has fought quite bravely with him. Everyone is quite protective when it comes to their own possesions but my advice in these situations is always to hand over property when threatened with violence. Things can be replaced and it is not worth the risk to your own safety.”

The incident took place on August 20 at around 4.40pm but was only reported to police over the weekend. Police are now seeking witnesses to the incident in a bid to track the man. He is described as Asian or African in appearance and around 5 ft 3 inches tall.

He was clean shaven, of medium build and had short black hair .