POLICE are appealing for witnesses after an attempted robbery in a Trowbridge alleyway.

A 46-year-old Trowbridge woman bravely fought off a robber who struck about 10.15am on Saturday as she walked along the alley between Roundstone Street and Duke Street.

The robber grabbed his victim from behind and tried to snatch her handbag, but she held on to the straps.

Unable to prize the handbag from her grasp, the robber fled from the scene.

Police have released a description of the attacker, who was black, of an African appearance and 5ft 10ins tall.

He was wearing a black hooded top, dark baseball cap and black trousers.