A CYCLIST snatched a handbag from a woman while she was waiting for a bus yesterday (Wednesday, January 8).

The 58-year-old was standing at a bus stop next to Elite Hair and Beauty on Cockton Hill Road in Bishop Auckland when the incident occurred at 4.45pm.

The bag has since been recovered but the money inside had been taken.

Police are keen to trace the cyclist who was riding a dark coloured pedal cycle, with mud guards and no lights.

He is described as being thin faced, pale and with short, neatly cropped hair.

CCTV is now being examined and anyone with information is asked to contact Bishop Auckland police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.