Officers in Ayr are appealing for witnesses after a 74-year-old woman was assaulted in the town centre.
The pensioner was able to break free, but was pushed to the ground as the man ran off.
She suffered minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.
The man is described as young, of slim build and was wearing dark coloured clothing with a hood over his head.
Sergeant Christopher Cochrane said: “This was a very traumatic experience for the victim who fortunately only suffered minor injuries due to her own feisty intervention.
“It is vital we trace the person responsible, and I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened, or anyone who may have dashcam footage, to contact police.
“You can call 101 quoting reference 0926 of Wednesday, 4 May, 2022 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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