A MOTHER-of-four from Hartlepool is appealing for help to trace property stolen when her bag was snatched.

The 53-year-old was walking along an alley between the town's Sheriff Street and Sandringham Road at about 7.45pm on Friday when she was approached from behind by a man.

The man, who had concealed his face with a scarf and woollen hat dragged the woman to the ground before running off with her handbag.

It contained more than £200, a mobile phone, glasses, a gold necklace and work papers.

She suffered a cut to the leg and a knock to the head and was left shocked.

The cash was to pay her rent and she is appealing for anyone who may know where any of her property is to contact police.

The attacker is described as being in his late teens and about 5ft 8in. He wore a short black jacket and black trousers.

The bag, which may have been thrown into a back garden near the scene of the attack, was black with a white stripe.

Witnesses are asked to call police on (01642) 302126.