A WOMAN gave chase to a group of cycling youths who snatched her handbag after trying to steal her car in York.

The motorist jumped in her car and pursued four young men down Woodlands Grove in Heworth, sounding her horn and shouting.

The pursuit came to an end when one of the youths swerved and fell from his BMX near allotments in Hempland Lane and threw the handbag at the car.

Police are now appealing for information about the incident, which occurred at about 11.30am yesterday and was witnessed by several people.

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York Police, said officers are seeking a teenager who got in the woman's car and tried to start it when she left her keys inside while speaking with a friend.

She shouted at him, and he grabbed the bag from the passenger seat and then fled.

The suspect is described as between 15 and 17 years old, of a slim build and about five feet seven ins tall. He was wearing a pale-coloured T-shirt and a chequered cap.

Updated: 14:23 Tuesday, June 24, 2003