Detectives are hunting a tiny schoolboy masked mugger, thought to be aged as young as 11, who tried to rob a woman near a Bradford hospital.

The 47-year-old victim was walking in grounds off Park Lane, close to St Luke’s Hospital, early in the afternoon when the youngster pounced.

The boy approached the woman from behind and tried to remove her bag from her shoulder.

A tussle followed in which the woman was pulled to the ground, although she was uninjured. The suspect fled empty handed across Park Lane, into Pakington Street and across Manchester Road.

Detective Inspector Nicola Bryar said: “The suspect in this incident is believed to be aged around 11 years old, 4ft 7in tall and wearing a black balaclava.

“The fact that someone so young would have the audacity to attempt such an offence is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our city.

“Two other males, believed to be of a similar age, were close by when this incident occurred and I would also like to speak to them in connection with it.

“Despite being pulled to the ground, the victim managed to give chase for a short time which other people in the area may have seen.

“I would like to know who the individuals in this group are, and where they are from, so we can take the appropriate course of action.”

Bradford Council leader Councillor Ian Greenwood, who represents Little Horton ward, in which the incident took place, said: “I am extremely concerned if a young person’s been involved in this.

“We will obviously look to help the police in finding the perpetrator as quickly as possible.”

The attempted robbery took place at about 2pm on Sunday. Anyone with information, or who witnessed the incident, should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.