A pensioner is recovering after she was robbed at knifepoint.

The 80-year-old woman was walking in St George's Way, in Sunderland, at about 12.25pm on Monday, when a man threatened her with a small knife, then grabbed her handbag. The woman suffered shock and grazing to her face.

The mugger was aged 30 to 40, about 5ft 6in, thin, with short to medium length dark hair. He was wearing dark scruffy clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0191-454 7555, ext 66142.