A widow was left badly shaken after a graveyard mugger stole her handbag.

Pensioner Jean Walters was visiting her husband's grave in Hartlepool, Teesside, when the attack happened at about 4.20pm on Tuesday.

A man in his twenties started a conversation at the Stranton Grange Cemetery before Mrs Walters turned and walked towards her car.

As she opened the door, she noticed the man, aged about 25, had followed her and was acting suspiciously.

She reached for her handbag, which was in the footwell of the passenger seat, but the mugger grabbed it and ran off towards the cemetery office after a brief struggle.

Cleveland Police are hunting the attacker, described as white, clean-shaven and about 5ft 10in. He was slim with a pale complexion. He had a local accent and was wearing a light coloured sports jacket, trousers and trainers.

Sergeant Jim Tunn said: "This was a shocking attack on a defenceless lady who was left extremely shaken."

Anyone with information is asked to call Hartlepool Police on (01642) 302126.