A man who tried to steal a woman's handbag ended up fleeing empty handed after her dog attacked him and bit him in the leg.

Police are now hunting the would-be thief, who targeted a 47-year-old woman in a grassy area near Ramsay Road, Kikcaldy.

At around 7.45am on Friday, the woman was walking with her three dogs when she became aware of a man running from behind.

Around 30 seconds after he passed her, another man approached her and tried to take her handbag.

However during the struggle, one of the victim's dogs bit his leg, forcing him to run away towards Pratt Street.

Police said he shouted as he was bitten and may have struggled to walk properly afterwards.

The first man is described as being in his twenties, around 5ft 8in tall, with dark joggers and a light coloured hoodie with his hood up.

The second man, who attempted to steal her bag, was also in his twenties, around 5ft 5in tall, with dark hair and a gaunt face.

He was wearing a dark coloured cap with blue denim jeans and a dark-coloured tracksuit top.

Detective sergeant Craig Fraser, of Kirkcaldy CID, said: "We're appealing to anyone who might recognise these men, or may have witnessed this incident.

"The suspect shouted when he was bitten by the dog, and it's possible he may have struggled to walk properly afterwards.

"If anyone has any information, please contact us."

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively via the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.