ROBBERS wrestled with a disabled woman's crutches as they tried to steal her bag outside a Southamp-ton post office.

Police said the 35-year-old victim was targeted at a parade of shops in Hinkler Road, Thornhill, around 11.20am yesterday.

After obtaining some cash from the post office she was approached outside by two teenagers.

One of the youths grabbed her bag and one of her crutches and tried to pull them away from her.

Police said the teenagers, who fled empty-handed after failing to get the woman's bag, were verbally abusive to her throughout the attack.

The victim, who has not been named, suffered cuts to her hand and was shaken after the attempted robbery. She did not require hospital treatment.

Today officers based at Bitterne police station were continuing investigations into the incident and issued an urgent appeal for witnesses.

Police said both attackers were aged about 16 or 17, slim and 5ft 6in.

One was white and wore a blue baseball cap, blue sweat top and tracksuit bottoms, and trainers.

His accomplice was black with short, black, Afro-style hair and wore a white baseball cap with a navy top, light-coloured trousers and trainers.

Police said one youth had been arrested in connection with the attempted robbery but had been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Investigating officer PC Carla-Marie Moore said: "Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to come forward to police with any information they have as a matter of urgency."

Call Bitterne police on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crime-stoppers line on 0800 555 111 with any information.