POLICE are hunting two teenagers who carried out a "despicable" bag snatch after pushing their way into the home of an elderly couple.

Detectives yesterday appealed for information following the incident in Trimdon Station, County Durham, on Sunday evening, when the young thieves escaped with an 85-year-old woman's handbag.

They called at the house in Margaret Terrace, at about 8.50pm. When the woman's husband answered the door one of the pair pushed past, claiming he needed to use the phone urgently.

On reaching a point between the kitchen and the living room, he also pushed the woman out of the way, before grabbing her handbag and fleeing with his accomplice.

Police said the bag thief was described as aged 17 or 18, between 5ft 8 and 9in, of slim build, with blond hair, wearing a light coloured anorak-style coat and dark trousers.

The second youth, who stayed out of the house, is also aged 17 or 18, about 5ft 10in, of medium build, with untidy, longish dark hair, and slightly spotty complexion. He was wearing dark clothing.

Detective Constable Shaun Walls, of Peterlee CID, said: "This was a despicable crime and we need to stop these people as quickly as possible.

"They are targeting elderly people, and in this case the lady concerned was extremely shocked.

"She was taken to hospital in Hartlepool for observation, but has since been released."

Det Con Walls said it appears the same youths made a similar bid to gain entry to another house, not far away, earlier in the evening. They were thwarted that time by a neighbour.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Peterlee CID, on 0191-586 2621