POLICE are appealing for information after a bungling thief tried to snatch a bag of shopping from a middle-aged woman.

The incident happened at around 6.20pm on the High Street, Potters Bar, on Monday, October 10.

A 42-year-old woman was walking from the Co-Op as she crossed paths with a man coming in the other direction.

The would-be thief tried to snatch a bag of groceries, but the woman quickly grabbed the plastic bag back and the man ran off through traffic in the road.

Officers said as the man fled, he also tried to trip over a jogger who was passing.

The offender was described as a white man in his early 20s who was of a slim build with spiked blonde hair, which was short on the sides.

He was clean shaven and wearing a blue bomber jacket, blue jeans and black lace up shoes.

PC David Hope from Borehamwood Police Station is investigating and said: “I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened or saw the man running through the traffic, to contact me with details. I am particularly keen to hear from the jogger he attempted to trip over.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Hope on 01707 806636. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.