POLICE are appealing for information after an elderly widow was mugged as she returned home after shopping on Thursday.

The woman was walking away from Peterlee town centre along a pathway next to the community college between 3pm and 3.30pm when she was approached from behind by a male.

He reached into her bag and stole her purse before pushing her to the ground and running off in the direction of a nearby underpass.

The pensioner, aged 72, who was only a short distance from home, was taken to hospital and discharged after being examined by medical staff.

The attacker is described as about 5ft 6in, of medium build, wearing a light blue top and baseball cap.

Detective Constable Shaun Walls, of Peterlee CID, said: "This lady was badly shaken by the incident and was fortunate not to have been more seriously hurt.

"This is a despicable crime against a vulnerable member of the community and I would appeal to anyone with information about it to come forward.

"There are a number of paths the robber could have taken once he emerged from the underpass and we are uncertain which way he went.''

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Peterlee police station on 0191-586 2621.