POLICE are hunting for a thief who stole a handbag from a woman who had collapsed in the street last night.

The 35-year-old victim had fallen ill as she made her way to the bus stop on Oakley Road, near to the cemetery and Saint Aidan’s Church in Saltburn at about 11.30pm last night.

Cleveland Police said at some point after the victim had collapsed an unknown person or persons stole her black Chenille handbag with a maze pattern on it which contained cash and prescribed medication tablets.

The woman was then assisted by an unknown female who was walking her dog.

Police are appealing for this woman to come forward and also for anyone who might have been offered the prescription tablets to come forward.

Anyone else who may have witnessed anything or saw anyone acting suspiciously at the time of incident to contact PC Phillip Birdsall on the non-emergency 101 number, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.