A THIEF snatched the handbag from an 84-year-old woman, yesterday.

The pensioner, who was badly shaken, was walking under the A693 underpass, near her home at Arundel Walk, in Chester-le-Street.

"This was a despicable, cowardly attack on a frail old lady," said Detective Sergeant Any Davis.

The thief ran towards Gairloch Drive after the snatch at about 10am.

He was about 20, and slim, wearing a black woollen hat.

He took cash and personal documents. Witnesses should ring police on 091-388 4311.