A YOUTH on a bike robbed a 72-year-old woman in York on Tuesday.

North Yorkshire Police said the "heartbreaking robbery" took place in Garth Terrace in Clifton, at the junction of Burton Stone Lane, at about 11am.

A spokesman said the victim's purse was "forced from her grasp as she walked to the shops", and urged anyone who saw the robbery to contact police.

The thief was a stocky white male, in his late teens, wearing a dark tracksuit top with his hood up.

The spokesman said the thief was riding a bike and carrying an orange bag.

Anyone with information should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting reference 12160189436.

UPDATE: After reading this article in Wednesday's printed edition of The Press, a reader contacted our office and offered to reimburse the victim for the money she had lost.

She has now been in touch with police.

The local police team said this afternoon on twitter:

Patrols were stepped up today, around the same time, and police have said they are still seeking witnesses.