POLICE in York are hunting a woman who stole cash from an 11-year-old boy while he was shopping for a birthday present for his mother.

The devastated Burnholme Community College pupil, who does not want to be named, had gathered his Christmas cash and pocket money together for a shopping trip to York city centre.

But he had to watch in disbelief as the woman, who was accompanied by two men, grabbed £40 cash from his wallet as he stood outside the Halifax bank in Parliament Street on Saturday lunchtime.

Now the mother of the youngster is urging a good Samaritan, who tried to confront the woman, but then left the scene, to come forward to the police.

The women said her son was reduced to tears by the incident because he was unable to buy her a birthday present as planned.

She said: "What kind of person steals from a child?

"He opened his wallet to check how much money he had left and a woman walked by, put her hand inside his wallet, took the money and then carried on walking.

"He shouted at her to give him his money back and a member of the public stopped her and told her to give it back.

"It's the member of public I really want to find.

"It was my birthday on Sunday, and my son was more upset because he couldn't buy me a present.

"I wasn't bothered about the present; the fact that he was okay was the most important thing to me."

Acting-Sergeant Steve Knubley, of York police, said: "Inquiries are ongoing into the incident and we're confident of capturing the culprit."

If anyone has any information they should contact York Police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 14:43 Tuesday, January 08, 2002