A PENSIONER needed hospital treatment after she was mugged outside an east Durham church.

The incident happened as the 65-year-old married woman, from the Peterlee area, was walking into St Mary's Church, Blackhills Road, Horden.

As she approached the door of the church, a man grabbed the strap of her handbag, which she was carrying on her left arm, and tried to snatch it.

In the struggle, the woman was knocked to the ground and pulled about five yards before she released the bag.

Her attacker fled with it and she was taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool, where she was treated for cuts, bruises and shock.

Detective Constable Brian Roberts, of Peterlee CID, said he believed the man may have been waiting to strike for some time and selected what he considered to be an easy target.

The mugger is described as in his mid to late teens, slim build, and wearing a dark blue or black wind sheeter hoodedjacket. He used the hood and a dark scarf to conceal his face.

Witnesses to the incident, at about 6pm on Sunday, are asked to contact the police on 0191-586 2621 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111