A woman had her purse taken from her as she waited at a Southampton bus stop this week.

The incident took place on South Road near the junction with Lighthouse Road at 9.40 p.m. on Wednesday.

"It appears that the victim, a 29-year-old Sandys Parish woman, was at a bus stop when she was accosted by an unknown man who demanded her purse," a Police spokesperson said.

"The suspect managed to take the purse and fled the scene on foot before riding away on a motorcycle in a westerly direction."

The woman was not injured during the theft. Her purse, described as green with green embroidered flowers, contained a quantity of cash as well as personal items.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with any information to contact the Somerset Criminal Investigation Unit on 234-1010.