POLICE have condemned an attack on an elderly woman who was punched in the face and then made off with £2,000.

Officers believe the attacker removed a light from outside the woman's home in Sacriston, near Durham, then waited in the dark for his victim.

When the woman returned to her home in Elm Court at about 8.20pm on Wednesday, she was confronted by a man standing in the corner of the porch.

He grabbed her and when she struggled, he punched her in the face several times before snatching her handbag and running off.

The woman fell into the street, where she was found by a neighbour. She had a cut to her eye and bruising to her cheek and jawbone. She was taken to the University of North Durham, where she stayed overnight.

Detective Sergeant Eric Malkin, of Durham City CID, said: "This was a cold, calculated attack on a defenceless, elderly lady who has lost more than £2,000."

Det Sgt Malkin appealed to people to contact them if they were in the area before or after the attack and saw any suspicious activity.

He said a small car was seen in Elm Court at about the time of the robbery and urged the driver to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham City Police, on 0191-386 4222, or call Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.