A blind pensioner was mugged as she was leaving church.

The 85-year-old was on her way home from St Cuthbert's, Durham City, when the attack happened at around 12.20pm on Sunday.

She was walking into the city from the church near the Garden House pub and was near the County Hospital in North Road when she became aware of someone behind her.

The pensioner, who was wearing dark glasses and was carrying a white stick, had her bag snatched from her and fell to the ground.

Her attacker escaped with the bag containing a small amount of cash, and the woman rang the police from a nearby telephone kiosk. She was left shocked but unhurt.

Det Sgt Tony Dumighan said the victim was aware of cars passing as she lay on the ground after the attack. Other vehicles would have passed her on her way from church.

He said: "We would like to speak to anyone - motorists or pedestrians - who saw the victim before, during or after the attack. We know there were people in the area. They could provide important clues.

"This was a cowardly attack on a very vulnerable lady. We are unable to say if it was an opportunist crime or whether she had been specifically targeted."

Witnesses are asked to contact Det Sgt Dumighan on (0191) 388 4311, PC Don Peacock on (0191) 386 4222, or Crimestoppers (0800 555111).