AN 82-year-old woman was shaken but unhurt after a thief snatched her handbag.

The attack happened in Darlington at 10.20am on Thursday, as the elderly victim was walking along Greenbank Road towards Woodland Road.

After snatching the navy blue handbag, which contained £80 in cash, plus bank cards and keys, the thief ran off across Greenbank Road and down an alley towards Salisbury Terrace.

The thief is described as male, white, 5ft 5in, of thin build, with a thin face and a long nose. He was wearing a white baseball cap.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.