Detectives are appealing for information after a woman was injured during an attempted robbery in York.

The victim, a 23-year-old local woman, suffered grazed knees, a cut to her leg and a swollen thumb when she held onto her handbag as a man tried to snatch it from her on Bishopthorpe Road in the early hours of Thursday 27 November 2012.

The victim was making her way home from work at around 2.50am when she was approached from behind by a man on a mountain bike, as she reached the junction with Richardson Street.

The man attempted to snatch the bag from her grasp and despite being pulled to the ground she managed to hold on to it. The man then cycled off empty-handed in the direction of the city centre.

The man is described as white, aged in his 20s, and between 5ft 7in and 6ft tall. He was wearing black trousers and a black hoody with the hood pulled up.

Officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or can help to identify the man responsible to get in touch.

Detective Constable Rebecca Hughes, of York CID, said: “The victim bravely managed to hang onto her bag and the offender left empty-handed. However, she was understandably left shaken by the incident.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident itself or saw anyone behaving suspiciously in the area in the early hours of Tuesday 27 November to get in touch with the police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible.”

Anyone who can help officers with their enquiries is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and ask for Rebecca Hughes or York police.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 12120200058 when passing information about this incident.