AN elderly woman suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder when she was attacked by a bag snatcher.
The 79-year-old, who is not being named, also suffered bruising to her ribs during the attack, in Bede Crescent, Washington Village, on Monday.
Police say her attacker approached her from behind and the pair fell to the ground during a struggle.
He ran off with her handbag, which contained cash and personal items.
The attacker was described as 5ft 2ins to 5ft 4ins, slim, clean shaven and wearing a baseball cap and dark green jacket.
Police in Birtley are also hunting a young robber who left a 74-year-old woman shaken when he snatched her handbag - containing her purse and pension book - in North Dene, also on Monday. A spokesman described it as a "cowardly and despicable act".
Anyone with information should call police on 0191-454 7555
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