POLICE are hunting a man who tried to rob an elderly woman by grabbing her handbag.

The attack happened in on Manor Way in Peterlee, County Durham, at 2.20pm.

A spokesman for Durham Police said: “It took place just up from the Labour club and the female was dragged to the floor by a male, who tried to steal her handbag.

“She managed to hold on and the male fled. The incident left the female both injured and badly shaken, she managed to hold on to her bag and the male fled empty handed.”

Officers are appealing for any information that may help catch the man or witnesses who may have seen the incident take place on a busy Saturday afternoon.

Anyone with information can call Peterlee CID office on 0191-375-2611 or via 101 and quoting DHM-28022015-0325.