POLICE are appealing for witnesses after another woman pedestrian fell victim to a cyclist who rode into her back and then snatched her bag in Whitton.

Last Wednesday's incident is the latest in a spate of cycle-by thefts and police are anxious to catch the perpetrators.

The woman was walking along outside the Nelson Public House on Whitton High Street when the bicycle rammed into her back at about 2.40pm.

The cyclist tried to grab her bag but she hung on to it until he gave up the struggle and rode off toward the rugby ground. She was left with soreness to her shoulders and arms following the incident.

The thief has been described as an olive skinned male, 25-years-old of a thin build with black, shoulder length wavy hair. He wore a brown/ maroon bomber jacket, blue track suit bottoms and trainers.

A male member of the public is believed to have witnessed the incident and to have pushed the cyclist off his bike at some point and police are this week appealing to this man to come forward.

This man and anyone else who thinks they might have seen something related to this incident is asked to contact DC Ellie McKinaly on 8247 7032.