A MAN has been arrested after a 54-year-old woman was robbed in York.

The 31-year-old man from Middlesbrough was arrested shortly after 11pm last night, on suspicion of robbery.

Police appealed for information after a woman was robbed early yesterday afternoon while walking on the River Foss towpath at Foss Islands, near to Majestic Wines, when a man grabbed her handbag.

When she tried to resist, the man hit her, knocking her to the ground and causing minor injuries before stealing her handbag and riding away on a bike towards Sainsburys.

Detective Sergeant Mark Jackson, of York CID, said: “I would very much like to thank the members of the public who have already helped with this investigation, their assistance has been tremendous.

“However, I still need anyone who witnessed the robbery, or can help with the inquiry, and has not yet contacted the police, to do so straight away.”

Anyone who can assist with this investigation is urged to contact York CID on 101, select option 2 and ask for Mark Jackson. Alternatively information can be emailed to yorkcid@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.