A WOMAN was pushed to the ground and threatened with a knife after refusing to give her handbag to a robber.

The 50-year-old victim was walking along Tewkesbury Road towards Oxford Road, in Clacton, when she was confronted by a cyclist.

The attacker rode towards her on a silver and black bike, before stopping in front of her to block her way.

He demanded her handbag and pushed the woman to the ground when she refused to hand it over.

The man pulled out a knife and threatened her.

But he was disturbed in the act by a passing driver, who saw the incident unfold and shouted, causing the attacker to flee on his bike.

It happened in broad daylight, at about 5pm on Saturday June 11.

The suspect is described as black with dreadlocks.

Police have launched an investigation and want to speak to the motorist who intervened to help with their enquiries.

Officers say he may have been driving a dark-coloured Mini.

Anyone with information on the incident should call Clacton police on 101.