Sharp tongue defeats sharp knife

Police have told how the 67-year-old woman - who has not been named - was walking in the twitten alleyway between Pelham Road and Stonehurst Road, in Tarring, at 6.20pm on Monday when she noticed two youngsters on bicycles.

One passed her in the alleyway before he skidded to a halt in front of her, produced a six-inch knife and demanding money.

The second stopped behind her, apparently to prevent her escape.

But the woman's response - described by police as "remonstrations" - resulted in both boys speeding off empty-handed.

The boys are both described as 13 to 14 years old, one with short brown hair, the other with a thin face, grey denim baseball cap and a white scarf with blue spots and a dark blue border.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 0845 6070999.