A LONE pensioner fell to the ground after having her handbag snatched on Christmas Eve.

The 66-year-old woman was robbed of her handbag while she was walking alone in Billingham at about 5.15pm on Christmas Eve.

She was on Finchale Avenue when she was approached by a man, dressed all in black, who pulled at her handbag which was over her shoulder.

She ended up falling to the ground and suffered bruising to her right arm.

The thief fled with her bag which contained a purse, bank cards and cash as well as a small quantity of Codeine Phosphate tablets.

Cleveland Police warned the medication could be dangerous if taken by someone it wasn't prescribed for.

They urged anyone who finds any of the items from the handbag to contact police.

The suspect is described as white, fairly tall, and aged 20 to 30 years old.

Police want to hear from any witnesses or anyone who may be able to identify the suspect.

  • Call Stockton Operational Crime Team via the 101 number, quoting event 233490.