A 76-YEAR-OLD woman was knocked to the floor by a thief determined to steal her handbag.

The pensioner was walking near Beechwood Working Men’s Club, on Aldergrove Road, in Easterside, Middlesbrough, around 7.30pm on Friday when she was approached from behind, police said.

A man grabbed her bag, which contained cash and personal items, but she held on to it.

He pushed her to the ground, took the bag and ran away towards Bollington Road.

The lady was left shaken but uninjured.

A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of robbery and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information should contact Cleveland Police, asking for DC Tom Sewell, on 101.