A woman was targeted by a would-be mugger who tried to steal her handbag.

Police attended Union Street in Canterbury at 2.10pm on Wednesday following reports of an attempted theft.

It is alleged a woman in a car had been approached by a man who claimed she had dropped some money, before he tried to grab her handbag.

A member of the public is said to have challenged the suspect before he and three other men left the scene.

The woman is believed to have been parked opposite The Penny Theatre in Northgate.

Officers attended and carried out a search of the area and no one matching the man's description was located.

However, police are now appealing for information in a bid to assist their investigation.

The suspect is described as around 5ft 9in tall, of slim build, and has short, dark hair.

It is believed he was wearing a baseball cap and had been carrying a satchel over his shoulder.

He is reported to have spoken in Spanish to the other men.

Anyone with information about the incident is being urged to contact police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/92437/24.