A ROBBERY was foiled when a man suspected of snatching a woman's handbag in Worcester was taken to the ground by members of the public and left bleeding from his face.

West Mercia Police have arrested a 27-year-old male on suspicion of robbery following the incident outside Cafe Bliss in Sansome Street, Worcester, at 2.50pm today (Thursday).

In a strange turn of events officers identified the suspect who was understand to have been bloodied during the encounter but the victim had already left the scene.

Now officers are trying to trace the woman, who is understood to have had her handbag returned to her, and anyone else who witnessed the alleged robbery.

DI Stuart Murphy of Priority CID said: "We haven't yet identified a victim and we are appealing for any witnesses in or around that area to come forward."

DI Murphy said he understood the alleged robber had been pinned to the floor by members of the public.

The suspect remains in custody and is of no fixed abode though he is not believed to be from Worcester.

In a statement through Twitter West Mercia Police said: "It is believed a handbag was stolen from a lady and persons intervened, recovered the bag and parties then left.

"We have arrested a male on suspicion of robbery. We need the victim and those involved to come forward and provide us with information."

Those with information can call West Mercia Police on 101 and quote incident reference 0396s 280716.

Were you one of the Good Samaritans who helped the woman or the woman who was the victim of the attempted robbery?

Please call 01905 742252 if you want to talk to one of our reporters.