Hunt for youths who demanded woman's purse

The victim, 53, was stopped and told to hand over her purse – but the lads walked away empty-handed when she told them she did not have one.

An investigation has now been launched into the failed hold-up, which took place on Grange Road in Layton.

The woman was walking to work in the area when she was approached at around 6.50am on Friday near the bus stop at Layton Square.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward as they work to idnetify the culprits.

Det Sgt Rik Irving, of Blackpool CID, said: “This incident is quite concerning – the victim was very upset.”

The woman was unharmed during the incident but left shaken by the ordeal.

Police have issued a description of the youths as inquiries into the attempted robbery continue.

One of the offenders is described as around 16 years old, 5ft 2ins tall and of slim build. He wore a grey hooded top, police said.

The other youth has a dark top on at the time of the offence.

Det Sgt Irving added: “The victim was walking to work in the Layton area when she was approached by two youths who demanded she hand over her purse.

“She did not have one and told them, so eventually they left.”

Anybody with information about the incident or the identities of the suspects is asked to contact police on 101,