A WOULD-be bag snatcher is being sought by police after targeting a woman during hours of darkness in Larkfield.

The incident occurred at 5.45am on Banff Road on Tuesday.

The assailant tried to rip her handbag away but fled empty-handed because she had the strap secured over her shoulder.

Any information about the incident should be passed to the police via the 101 number quoting reference KC02421120, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.