AN elderly woman was left shaken after thieves took her handbag while she was shopping in a Darlington supermarket.

Police have warned Christmas shoppers to be on the lookout for thieves and are appealing for information about the incident which took place on Saturday afternoon at about 3pm.

The victim was shopping in the Morrisons supermarket on North Road when the incident took place.

Her handbag, containing personal effects and a quantity of cash, was in the front of her trolley.

While her back was turned the bag was taken from the trolley.

Inspector Gordon Scott from Darlington police said: These types of offences tend to come in waves and so were asking shoppers to keep an eye on their belongings, particularly at this time of year.

The victim was left quite badly shaken after the incident.

Obviously, she did not see the thief so we have no description, but were hoping someone did witness something or knows who did it.

Wed like to hear from anyone who knows anything about it.

Anyone with information is asked to call Darlington police on 0845-6060-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.