A WOMAN forced a bag-snatch mugger to flee empty-handed by fighting him off with her umbrella.

The 59-year-old set about the brute after he tried to grab her handbag in a city street.

She was making her way along Carrick Grove, in Mount Vernon, when the attacker tried to grab her bag from her shoulder.

Sources said she managed to fend off the thug with her umbrella.

The suspect is believed to have made off on foot in an unknown direction.

Officers stressed the woman was not injured during the street robbery bid, which happened at around 8.30pm on Monday.

Police Scotland are investigating the incident.

A police spokesman said: "Officers received a report of an attempted robbery in Carrick Grove, Glasgow at around 8.30pm on Monday February 29.

"Inquiries are ongoing."

The Evening Times understands detectives are following a positive line of inquiry.

Meanwhile, detectives have stepped up their hunt for three men who robbed a bookies in Tollcross Road.

The 49-year-old woman and 20-year-old man, who were working in the shop, were left shaken following the robbery.

It happened at around 9.10pm on Sunday night.

The trio ran off with a three-figure sum of cash towards Ardfern Street and the Dalness Court area.

One of the thieves was wearing a balaclava over his face, a navy hooded top and was carrying a black rucksack.

The second man, who is described as white, was wearing a dark coloured scarf over his face, a dark jacket and green baseball cap.

The third suspect is described as white, between 35 and 45-years-old, of medium build and had a large nose.

He was wearing a dark hooded top and black gloves.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.