POLICE are appealing for help after a pensioner had her handbag stolen as she went shopping.

The 71-year-old was targeted as she shopped at Iceland, in Consett on Tuesday shortly before noon.

The victim had hooked her handbag on her shopping trolley but, when she turned her back, it was taken by a man thought to be aged around 60 years old, who left the shop with it.

The suspect is described as having short grey hair and a grey beard. He was wearing a dark coloured anorak, dark trousers and possibly white trainers.

At the time of the incident he was holding a green and white carrier bag and a light green rucksack.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Durham Police on 101.