A GOOD Samaritan who returned a stolen handbag to a mugging victim, is being urged by police to come forward.

The hero set off after two men who had just robbed an 86-year-old woman as she packed her shopping in the boot of her car.

He chased after the muggers in his car after hearing their victim's cries for help. Minutes later he returned with the handbag and its contents intact.

The robbery happened at the Parkway Centre car park, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, on Wednesday.

The woman, who is from Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, was approached from behind by a blond, shaven-headed man, aged about 19, who police said dragged the pensioner's handbag off her shoulder and ran off with an accomplice.

The mugger is white and of slight build. His companion is of a similar age and build.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "Police are asking that the Good Samaritan or anyone else who saw the incident contacts PC Stephen Horne at Coulby Newham Police Station on (01642) 303410.