POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a teenager snatched a handbag from a woman in Hartlepool.
The 58-year-old woman was walking along Church Square with her sister at 8.40pm on Friday when the thief rode up on a bicycle behind her.
He grabbed the strap and pulled it until it snapped, allowing him to make off with the contents, which included cash, keys, personal papers and photographs.
The incident happened outside Alsyros restaurant, and the teenager rode off between council buildings at the top of Church Square.
The woman was left bruised and badly shaken.
The thief was about 17, slim with short, fair hair. He rode a dark coloured bike.
Witnesses are asked to call police on (01429) 865 675.
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