A WOMAN was mugged yesterday as she made her first outing on crutches following a double hip replacement operation.

The 49-year-old woman, who has not been named, was on her way to the HSBC bank in Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, when she was attacked about 11.30am.

She had taken a taxi to the rear of the bank and was making her way on crutches to the front of the building, via Devonshire Road, when her assailant pounced.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "She was pushed from behind by a man. As she struggled to regain her balance, the man stole her handbag, which contained a large amount of cash which the woman had obtained to purchase a car."

The mugger is white, aged between 18 and 20, of thin build and about 5ft 9in. He was wearing dark, track suit bottoms, dirty white trainers, a grey hooded top and a helmet type hat.

He was seen to run towards Chipchase Road and then to turn right towards Linthorpe Road.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Cleveland Police, on (01642) 30316.