A 16-year-old girl was knocked to the ground when two youths tried to steal her bag, York police said today.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses of the attempted bag-snatch, particularly a member of the public who chased the youths on his bicycle.

The incident happened at about 4.30pm on Monday as the girl mounted the steps on the Leeman Road side of Scarborough Bridge.

Sgt Colin Ventress, of York police, said two youths walking in the other direction tried to snatch the girl's bag as she passed.The girl was pushed to the ground and fell down the steps. She was not seriously injured.