An elderly woman was knocked to the ground when a bike-riding robber grabbed her handbag.

The pensioner, in her seventies, was attacked in Thornhill Gardens, Hartlepool, on Wednesday. A passing motorist gave chase but the thief got away with the bag, containing a small amount of cash and personal items. The woman was left shocked but uninjured.

Police are asking for anyone with information about the attack to call (01642) 302126.