Police are hunting for a knife wielding thief who attempted to snatch a handbag from a woman in Ashford.

A woman in her 30s was walking across the field behind the Sure Start Willow Centre on Brookfield Road, when a young man approached her from behind

The suspect, described as being of ‘Turkish’ appearance with olive skin, used a knife to cut the strap from her handbag, which he then tried to grab.

During the attack, which happened at around 2.45 pm on Wednesday, February 6, the victim managed to fight the suspect off and retrieve her bag.

The suspect (pictured left) is described as being a skinny 16 to 17 years old, around 5ft 9in to 6ft 3in tall, with a groomed ‘bum-fluff’ moustache and thin beard.

He was wearing a black zip-up hooded top, dark blue jeans turned up at the bottom and white trainers with gold piping.

The knife he used had a 4 inch dark red handle with a 3 inch silver blade that was triangular in shape. Foreign writing embossed on the blade.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or recognises the suspect is asked to contact PC Graham Wilkinson on 101 quoting crime reference ZY/3712/13.

Alternatively if you have information but would prefer to remain anonymous call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.