A CARE worker was pulled from her bike and dragged along the road by thieves yesterday.

The 57-year-old, who is not being named, was cycling in Castle Way, Grove Hills, Middlesbrough at about 11am when the attack occurred.

Two men, believed to be in their 20s, drove up in a white, G-registration van and the passenger grabbed the care assistant's blue bag, which contained £35.

The force of the snatch pulled her from the bicycle and partly through the window of the van, which continued moving down the street until the robbers pulled the bag free.

The victim fell and sustained cuts, bruises and possibly a broken foot.

PC Tracy Walker, of Cleveland Police, said: "It was lucky that she was not killed. This was a nasty attack on a defenceless lady, who was left badly shocked."

Anyone with information is asked to phone (01642) 303126.