A WOMAN twice fought off teeny thugs who tried to steal her handbag as she made her away home from shopping.

The woman was walking along a pathway off Kirkland Street - opposite the ASDA garage - when she spotted a gang of boys, thought to be aged 11 and 12.

As she passed by, she heard one of the gang shout: "Grab her handbag." One of the boys tried to grab her handbag, but the lady managed to hang onto it and carried on walking.

She was then followed by two boys from the group, who made a second bid to get hold of the handbag and take things out of it, but fortunately she managed to keep hold of the bag and cross Pigot Street.

The first boy who tried to grab the woman's bag is described as between 11 and 12 years, 5ft 3in tall with a medium build. He was wearing a navy blue tracksuit top, dark tracksuit bottoms and a red hat.

Anyone able to help the police with their inquiries can contact DC Steve Liston at St Helens police station on 0151 777 6064.

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