Police have released pictures of a man they want to trace after an 83-year-old woman was held up at knifepoint in Southwell.
The attempted robbery happened at around 8.54am on Saturday in an alleyway off King Street, close to Southwell Library.
The attacker approached the woman and pulled out a small knife before demanding the she hand over her purse.
He fled the scene after the woman shouted for help.
He is described as a white man, believed to be aged in his 40s, and was wearing blue jeans and a dark blue jacket with a hood.
Det Con Andrew Brownless said: “It is concerning that this would-be robber appears to have set out to identify and target an elderly and vulnerable person.
“The victim has not been harmed in this incident but was obviously left shaken and upset.
“It is extremely disturbing that this man was willing to pull out a knife on an 83-year-old woman who acted with great courage in attempting to raise the alarm.
“We believe someone will know who this man is and I am are sure the people of Southwell are just as keen as we are to get this man identified and taken off the streets.”
Officers have released CCTV images of a man sought in connection with the incident.
Anyone who recognises the man pictured or has any information is asked to contact Notts Police on 101 quoting incident number 240 of June 11, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
