AN elderly woman was hurt when she fell in a struggle with a young man, who tried to snatch her handbag.
The pensioner hung on to her bag when the man approached her and a friend as they walked along Marshall Road, Newton Aycliffe, at about 9.50pm, onWednesday.
She was dragged along the ground until the bag strap snapped. The attacker ran off empty-handed in the direction of Lightfoot Road.
Detective Sergeant Gordon Scott, of Newton Aycliffe CID, said the woman, in her mid-70s, was cut and bruised, but refused to go to hospital despite paramedics' advice.
He said both women were now scared to walk through the town at night.
The attacker was aged about 20, with dark hair, of slim build and average height. He was thought to have a local accent, and was wearing dark clothing.
Anybody who has information is urged to call police, on (01325) 314401, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.
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