A BRAVE pensioner refused to surrender her handbag when a teenage girl threatened her with a craft knife.

The 61-year-old was walking home at 3pm on Thursday through Paderborn Court, Bolton, when the mugger brandished the knife and grabbed her bag.

They fought for the bag until the robber gave up and ran off.

Detective Sergeant Martin Bell, of Bolton's robbery unit, said: "The lady fought off the attacker despite being threatened with a craft knife. It was an impressive act of courage."

The attacker was white, 5ft 5in tall and in her mid to late teens.

Anyone with information should contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740.