A 22-YEAR-OLD woman fought off a would-be mugger near a Colne park.

Police yesterday praised the bravery of the woman following the incident on Wednesday night in Haverholt Road, Vivary Bridge.

They are urging anyone with information to come forward to ensure he does not strike again.

The woman was walking home at around 8.15pm when the man tried to grab her handbag from behind.

Police say a struggle ensued but the woman fought ‘valiantly’, forcing the stockily-built mugger to flee empty-handed.

He was last seen running off towards Alkincoats Park.

The woman, who was left shaken but unhurt by her ordeal, immediately reported the incident to police, who are treating it as an attempted robbery.

Det Con Richard Blackburn, of Pendle CID, said: “It is imperative that we catch this individual before he strikes again.

“I would ask any witnesses or people who have knowledge of this incident to get in touch.”

The man was white, aged 18 to 23, and was around 5ft 7in tall. He was wearing a navy jumper and tracksuit bottoms.

The pants had parallel stripes on the calf sections of each leg.

People with any information are asked to contact Pendle CID on 01282 472644 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.