DETECTIVES believe two handbag snatches may have been linked.

A 37-year-old woman managed to cling on to her bag when she was attacked in Split Crow Road, near Felling Library, Gateshead, at 5.40pm on Monday. The thief was described as aged 15, 5ft 3in, slim, and wore a dark woollen hat and dark tracksuit top.

Shortly after, a 65-year-old woman was walking with a friend in nearby Wellington Street when a youth grabbed her bag and ran off.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Gateshead East CID on 0191-454 7555.