A WOMAN has been left unable to walk without a stick after being robbed of her handbag by a balaclava-wearing attacker.

The 59-year-old was approached from behind by a man on a bike who put his hand on her shoulder before running off with her bag on Bournemouth Avenue, in Ormesby, Middlesbrough at around 10.30pm on Sunday, March 1.

The robber escaped with a black shopper style shoulder bag with gold detailing, inside was a Nokia phone and a Radley purse containing about £60 cash and bank cards.

Anyone with information regarding the assault or the person responsible is asked to contact DC Thomas Legg on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.