A would-be thief was prevented from mugging a pensioner when a passer-by stepped in.

The 88-year-old woman was walking from Court Street through Patterson Place in Haddington, East Lothian when she was approached by a man who tried to steal her purse from her jacket.

A passer-by called out to check the woman was okay just before 3pm on Monday and the robber ran off towards Patterson Place.

Lothian and Borders Police are now appealing for witnesses to the attempted robbery.

The suspect is described as dark-skinned, between 25 and 20 years old, around 5ft 5ins tall with short dark hair. He was wearing pale grey chinos and a dark anorak at the time of the incident.

A police spokesman said: "While the would-be thief was unsuccessful, the elderly woman has been left understandably shaken as a result of what happened, and we are appealing for any information that can assist our inquiries.

"Anyone who was in the area of Haddington town centre yesterday afternoon, who noticed the suspect there, should contact police immediately.

"Similarly, anyone else who recognises the description of the suspect, or who has any other information that can assist our inquiries, should also get in touch."

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.