A PENSIONER was robbed of her handbag as she prepared to reverse her car.

At 5.25pm yesterday (Tuesday, August 12) in Burnville Road, Sunderland. the 81-year-old victim was about to back her car up when two men came up and one knocked on the window.

He talked to the woman while the other man opened the passenger door and took her handbag.

The woman got out of the car to retrieve her bag and was pushed to the ground.

She was treated at Sunderland Royal Hospital for facial bruising and swelling to her arm.

Detective Inspector Dave English, from Northumbria Police's Major Crime Team, said: "Thankfully the victim hasn't suffered serious injuries as a result but she has clearly been left extremely shaken by her ordeal.

"This incident happened in the early evening in a residential area where there may have been people going about their daily businesses.

"We're carrying out several enquiries to trace those responsible but are urging any members of the public who may have witnessed the robbery to come forward.

"We realise this may cause concerns among the community and we have officers on patrol to speak to residents and offer reassurance." Witnesses should call police on 101, extension 69191