POLICE are hunting a man who tried to snatch a handbag from a woman walking her dog in Sidmouth on Monday (August 11).

POLICE are hunting a man who tried to snatch a handbag from a woman walking her dog in Sidmouth on Monday (August 11).

The incident, which happened between 11am and 11.30am in Blackmore Gardens near to the steps by the health centre, saw a male try to grab a handbag off of a female.

Witnesses have been urged to come forward.

The male has been described as tall, thin, with long, grey hair, in his 50s and wearing long, dark coat.

He had a Cornish accent and smelt of aniseed, according to police.

Anyone who saw or heard anything or recognises the description, can contact PC Kylie Lynch on 101, quoting crime reference: CR/097587/14.