A PENSIONER in her 80s had her handbag stolen by a brazen thief who opened her car door and snatched it.

Police are appealing for information after the handbag was stolen in South Shields.

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: "Between 11.10am and 11.20am on Saturday an elderly woman was parked in a car park in Milton Street, just off Dean Road, when a man opened her passenger door and stole her handbag.

"The woman, who is aged in her 80s, was not hurt in the incident but left very shaken.

"The suspect is described as white, with black hair and aged in his 20s and officers are asking the public in help identifying him."

Any witnesses or anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact police on 101 extension 69691 quoting reference number 541 18/07/15.