THE public is being urged to help police capture a thief who snatched a woman's handbag in a Darlington town centre subway on Saturday.

The incident happened at 6.20pm, while some people will have been leaving the shopping area, and others will have been converging on the town centre pubs for an evening out.

Darlington police officers believe the incident may have been witnessed by some of the many members of the public who were in the area at the time.

As the 47-year-old woman walked through the subway, between Kendrew Street and Commercial Street, a man ran up behind her and grabbed her bag.

His victim was taken by surprise and loosened her grip on the bag, allowing the thief to escape with it in the direction of Commercial Street.

The thief was described as aged 30, about 5ft 8in, well built, with short, dark, mousy hair. He was wearing, a red top and beige trousers.

His victim was not hurt in the attack.

The bag, which was black and white and was described as being similar to a "bowling bag", contained about £70 in cash and credit cards.

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