Detectives are hunting a violent robber who chased a woman through the streets and pinned her to the ground at knifepoint.

The 33-year-old woman was walking close to Middlesbrough town centre at about 7.50am on Saturday when the robber pounced, grabbed her by the throat and threatened her.

Police said she was walking to work along Borough Road in Middlesbrough when she decided to take a short cut through an alleyway behind the Race for Furniture store.

As she approached the footpath at the other side of the alleyway, she noticed a man on a pedal cycle who had stopped and was pretending to fix his bike, blocking her path.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: "As she tried to get passed him, the man grabbed her by the throat and pinned her to the ground.

"When she opened her mouth to scream, the man produced a knife and threatened her, demanding her to give him her bag.

"At this point, a man walked past the alley and the woman tried to escape. But, the man chased her and grabbed her again, pinning her to the ground."

Police said the robber grabbed the two bags the woman was carrying, which contained a purse, cash, credit cards and mini disc player. He then ran off towards nearby Melrose Street.

The suspect was white, aged about 25, and about 5ft 8ins tall. He was wearing a cream woollen hat, dark tracksuit bottoms, trainers and a padded jacket.

Anyone with information should call detectives at Middlesbrough CID on 01642 303126.