Masked man jumped out on young girl and attempted to steal her handbag

A schoolgirl bravely fought off a masked man who jumped out at her from a bush and tried to steal her bag.

The 12-year-old was walking along Eastbourne Gardens in the Priestfields area of Middlesbrough when the incident happened at about 8.25am.

Police say that the man, who was wearing a mask or balaclava, jumped out in front of her from a bush and attempted to steal her handbag.

The girl managed to hold on to the bag and the suspect quickly gave up and made off on foot in an unknown direction.

The victim was unharmed but has been left extremely shaken by the incident.

The suspect is described as a male, over 6ft, of very skinny build and was wearing a black mask or balaclava, a black hooded jumper with the hood up, which had a white stripe or patch on each shoulder, black bottoms, black trainers and black gloves.

He also possibly had blond or mousey-coloured hair.

Parents living in the area have told of their shock regarding the incident.

Alison Wilson, who has a 16-year-old daughter, said: “I’m shocked to hear about this happening.

“This kind of thing does not usually happen around here, as everyone looks out for each other.

“I have lived in the area for 21 years and never seen or heard anything like it.”

The 47-year-old added: “It surprises me that it happened on a morning because this stretch is usually really busy with children heading to school and mums taking their children to school.”

Martin Lee, 52, is originally from Northampton, but has lived in the street for seven years.

The father-of-two said: “Nothing surprises me anymore. This is a good area to live in, you never see any police around.

“I was up and about at the time that it happened, as my children had gone to school by then, but I did not hear about it.

“I am glad that I know now, because I will let my daughter know and keep an eye on her.”

Any witnesses to the incident or anyone with information regarding the suspect is asked to contact Det Con Stuart Rowbotham on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.