Police are investigating a bag snatch from an elderly woman using a pedestrian underpass.

The victim was walking through the subway, off Landseer Close, Stanley, County Durham, when she was approached by a man who grabbed her handbag before fleeing in the direction of Durham Road.

He was described as thin, wearing a dark hooded top, which pulled over his head, and dark trousers.

The incident took place between 12-noon and 12.30pm on Friday December 6.

Detective Constable Kirsty Malone, of Durham Police, who is investigating the incident, said: “Thefts like this are incredibly rare.

“However, we would ask members of the public to be vigilant.

“It was a dark blue leather shoulder bag containing a tan coloured leather purse and may have been discarded in the surrounding area.”

Det Con Malone added: “We would ask anyone who has information, or who may have found the bag or purse, to call police on 101.”

• Neighbouring Northumbria Police is also investigating a hand bag snatch from a 25-year-old woman walking in Delaval Terrace, Blyth, on Tuesday (December 10), between 6.45 and 7pm.

She was knocked to the ground and was said to be shocked, but otherwise unhurt.

The male offender, who is in his late 20s or early 30s, is 6ft, of medium build, with dark hair, shaved at the side and short on the top.

He spoke with what was described as a deep local accent and was wearing a black sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, extension 69191.