POLICE are appealing for information after a man tried to steal a woman's handbag in Kilwinning.

The incident occurred at around 6.10am this morning (October 7) when a 43-year-old woman was standing at a bus stop in Irvine Road when a man approached her and tried to grab her handbag.

The man ran off empty handed towards the Eglinton Park area. Police say the woman has been left badly shaken by the incident. 

The suspect is described as white, around 5 ft 7 inches in height with a medium build. He was dressed in dark coloured clothing and a dark coloured scarf across his face.

Officers are conducting enquiries and will be checking for any CCTV footage opportunities.

Inspector Colin Convery said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the area around this time. 

"It was quite early but there may have been people making their way to work and I would appeal to them to contact us, perhaps you noticed the man either prior to the incident or maybe you saw him run up towards the Eglinton Park area, if you have any information, then please do pass it on to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Irvine Police Office on 101.  Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.