A DOG scared off a would-be robber who targeted its owner as she walked along an alleyway in East Yorkshire.

Humberside Police is now appealing for witnesses following the incident between Lawson Road and Applegarth Lane in Bridlington shortly before 6pm on Sunday.

A spokesperson for the force said: “The woman was walking with her dog when a man approached her from behind, grabbed at her jacket and demanded her mobile phone. Her dog reacted by barking and snarling at the man and he ran off in the direction of Queensgate."

The man is described as being white, mid 40s, approximately 5’9” of slim build. His cheeks appeared “sunk in”, making his nose appear pointed. He was wearing a navy blue or black beanie hat which had a single white stripe running horizontally across the middle. He was also wearing a navy blue/black Parker style jacket which went down to his knees, blue jeans and dark coloured trainers which had a white logo on the side and white sole. He spoke with a local accent.

Phone Humberside Police on 101 with information, quoting log 376 13/01/2019.