A TEENAGER asked a young woman if there were toilets nearby before attempting to grab her jacket when she stopped to speak.

Police are appealing for information after the incident, which happened in the area of Lower Wraxhill Road and Sandhurst Road, Yeovil, at around 5pm on Wednesday, August 28.

"A 25-year-old woman walking along the pavement was approached by a teenager," said a police spokesperson.

"He asked her if there were any toilets nearby but grabbed for her jacket when she stopped to speak to him, believed to be in an attempt to steal.

"She pulled away from him and he ran off down Sandhurst Road towards West Coker Road."

The would-be thief was white, aged between 15 and 18, about 5ft 8ins tall and of "skinny" build with short light-coloured hair. He wore dark-coloured clothing: shorts, a hooded top, baseball cap and trainers.

Anyone who saw the incident or who has any information which could help the investigation should contact police via www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact, or by calling 101, quoting reference 5219198501.

Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.