AN 80-year-old woman was injured when a teenage thief snatched her handbag.

The attack happened between 11.45am and 11.50am on Monday in Southend Avenue, Darlington.

The woman was walking alone in the avenue when the robber struck.

Detective Constable Peter Eddy, of Darlington police, said: "He ran alongside her, grabbed hold of her handbag and forcibly pulled it from her arm."

The woman suffered an injury to her wrist, for which she is believed to have received hospital treatment.

The thief ran off in the direction of Safeway, but the handbag and all of its contents, other than money, were found dumped in Houndgate in the town centre, some time later.

The attacker is described as 17, tall and slim, with short, dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing.

In March, Southend Avenue was the scene of another robbery, when a purse was taken from a woman's bag by a thief who was chased towards Polam Lane and through the Safeway car park by a witness.

Anyone who has any information about any of the attacks or other crimes in the area is asked to contact either Darlington police on (01325) 467681, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.