POLICE are investigating after a man tried to steal a grandmother’s purse in Stourbridge High Street in an attempted robbery in the middle of the day.

The incident happened shortly after 1pm on Wednesday April 3 outside the old Barclays Bank building.

However, the man fled empty handed after being challenged.

The woman was left shaken by the incident, her granddaughter told on Facebook as she thanked a woman who rushed to help.

Keelie Baynam-Smith said it’s believed the man had been watching her grandmother, aged in her 70s, as she went to the cashpoint and she warned people to be vigilant.

She said: “Thankfully my nan caused a scene by screaming and the idiot backed off without getting anything.”

And she warned “anyone going into town be vigilant of your surroundings as this can very much happen to anyone”.

Police confirmed the incident had been reported and a spokesperson for West Midlands Police added: “We are investigating an attempted robbery in Stourbridge.

“Shortly after 1pm on April 3, a woman was approached between the High Street and Foster Street by a man, who attempted to steal her purse.

“The man fled after being challenged and left the area.

“Anyone who saw anything or has more information can contact us via 101 or Live Chat quoting crime number 20/375671/24.”