A WOMAN managed to beat off an attacker who tried to snatch her bag in Monmouth on Friday.

The 18-year-old woman got off a bus on the Link Road around 5pm and was approached from behind by a male who tried to grab her shoulder bag.

She managed to prevent him from getting the bag, and he ran off in the direction of Carbonne Close. He is described as over five feet tall, of slim build wearing a dark hoodie, with dark tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

Police would like to speak to anyone or any motorists in the area at the time who saw anyone fitting the description or acting suspiciously – call Gwent Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.