POLICE are trying to trace a man who attempted to steal a phone earlier this week.

At around 7.50pm on Monday a 45-year-old man was approached in Kelso and an attempt was made to snatch his mobile.

The incident happened at the rear of a block of flats in the Inchmyre area.

Constable Gavin Liddle of Kelso Police Station said: "Fortunately, the victim was uninjured and the perpetrator made off empty handed but we are still treating this matter seriously.

"Anyone who was in the Inchymyre area on Monday evening and saw anything suspicious, who has information that can assist with our inquiries, or who recognises the description of the suspect is urged to come forward."

The man is described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build and wearing a dark woollen hat, dark jacket and bottoms and dark woollen gloves.

Anyone with information can contact Kelso Police Station via 101, quoting incident number 3074 of the 8th January.

Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.