A MAN tried to snatch a bag from a teenager walking by the seafront, police said.

The would-be thief asked the 19-year-old for a cigarette as he walked along the lower esplanade in Brighton near to the Peter Pan children's play area but was refused.

He then tried to grab the teen's bag as he walked up the steps towards the A259, and the pair struggled as the teen broke free.

It happened shortly before 5.30pm on Tuesday January 26, police said.

The offender is described as a white man, about 6', in his 20s-30s, slim, with short, dark hair combed to the right.

He had black stubble on his face and brown eyes. He may have had a northern accent, and was wearing blue jeans, sandy brown boots and a black coat.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phone 101, quoting serial 1077 of January 26.

Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.