A TEENAGER tried to mug two 71-year-old women in York on Wednesday but fled empty-handed when they defied his threats.

He targeted the women on Clifton Backies nature reserve at about 10.35am, while they were walking along a footpath near Woodland Chase.

The robber threatened them with a stick and demanded they hand over a handbag but they managed to resist him.

York police say the teenager was aged between 16 and 18, was very slim and wore a purple hooded top and grey tracksuit bottoms. They have issued what they say is an urgent appeal.

In a statement on its website, the force said: "We are conducting enquiries and are requesting the public's assistance to help determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident."

Can you help?

Anyone who knows anything about it should phone Sarah Scott on 101 or email her at sarah.scott@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. The incident reference is 12150031223.