POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 79-year-old woman had her purse snatched.

The woman was walking in Coral Street, Saltburn, east Cleveland, at 11am on Wednesday when she was attacked from behind.

A man then snatched the woman's purse, containing nearly £100, and made off along an alleyway and into Convalescent Street and then towards Marine Parade.

The woman was not injured but was very upset and shaken by the incident.

The offender was white, 5ft 8in, slim and aged 19 or 20. He was wearing a dark coloured baseball cap and a dark coloured track suit.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Phil Darbyson on (01642) 326326.