AN elderly woman suffered a series of fractures as she tried to prevent thieves making off with her handbag.

The 77-year-old was putting bottles into the bottle bank at The Parkway Shopping Centre, Coulby Newham, near Middlesbrough, when she was approached by two youths in a dark blue car.

One of the youths got into her car, which was parked nearby, and stole her handbag from the passenger seat.

The woman attempted to prevent him making off with her bag and was pulled to the ground, resulting in her suffering several fractures to her wrist and elbow.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place at about 1.30pm on Thursday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Paul Richardson, of Cleveland Police, on (01642) 303126