Handbag Robber Tries To Strangle Woman

Police in Southampton are appealing for witnesses after a man tried but failed to snatch a handbag from a 24-year-old woman in Southampton city centre.

The woman and her friend had been at a bus stop in above Bar Street by Watts Park when two men came up and started talking to them while they were waiting at around 3.15am on Saturday, March 5.

One of the men then attempted to steal the woman’s handbag making the strap break but she managed to keep hold of it.

When she wouldn’t let go the man tried to strangle her but some door staff working nearby intervened and the two men left.

The woman was left shocked and with scratch marks to her neck and bruises on her arm.

The man who tried to snatch the bag is described as black and in his early 20s.

He was about 5ft 5 inches tall and of slim to medium build. He was wearing a red cap on his head and he had back afro style hair which was about two inches long.

He was also wearing jeans and a dark coat.

The other man was also black and about 6ft tall with short dark hair and of medium build. He was wearing a leather coat with the hood up. The men said they were cousins.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses to the incident or anyone who has any further information about the crime or knows who either of the men are.

They are asked to call PC Victoria Hands at Southampton Central Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously ion 0800 555 111..