A WOMAN foiled a robber by clinging to her handbag as he dragged her along the ground.

She struggled with the thief until a group of builders working heard the 54-year-old woman's yells and went to her aid.

The robber fled empty-handed after being chased off by two of the workers.

The attack happened at 10.10am yesterday as the woman waited for a bus to take her from Blackwell, in Darlington, to the town centre.

After the incident, the woman, who asked not to be named, needed treatment at Darlington Memorial Hospital for cuts and bruises to her legs, arms and hands.

The woman said the thief was foiled because she had the handle of her bag wrapped around her arm for extra security, as she usually does.

She said she became aware of the robber standing behind her, although he did not speak to her at all during the attack.

He grabbed the bag as she raised her arm to check the time on her watch.

With both hands on the bag, he dragged the woman to the ground, but she refused to let go.

"I was thinking 'you're not getting my bag'," she said.

The woman said although she was afraid, she was also determination not to give in.

The man dragged her several yards along the pavement, but failed to break her grip.

Building workers heard her calling out "No, no", and went to her rescue, chasing off the 6ft robber.

Detective Sergeant Alec Francis, of Darlington police, said: "I think it was a natural reaction to defend herself and her property - it is human instinct.

"We are just pleased that the lady is not harmed any more than she is, and hopefully, in time, she will be able to get over the incident."

The attacker was described as about 22, of slim build, with dark, short-cropped hair.

He ran off towards Blackwell Lane after the attack.

Yesterday's incident was the latest in a string of purse and handbag snatches around the town over the past month.

Anybody who has any information about any of the attacks is asked to contact police on (01325) 467681.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers, on freephone 0800 555111