POLICE are trying to trace a woman who went to the aid of a pensioner whose purse was stolen in the street.

The elderly woman was in a motorised invalid chair outside the Arthritis Research charity shop in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, at about 12.45pm on Thursday.

It is believed the thief, possibly a youth, snatched the purse while the woman was not looking and ran off.

The victim was distressed, but unhurt. The purse did not contain much money.

Sergeant Kevin Wardle said: "We know a lady came to her aid. She was dressed in some kind of uniform, a care worker or a nurse perhaps, and was with her husband.

"We believe she may have witnessed the theft but, unfortunately, she had left the scene by the time police officers arrived.''

Anyone with information can contact Sgt Wardle on 0845-60-60-365.