A WOMAN was seriously injured trying to stop a thief taking her car.

The victim, 55, was beside her car in the Rift House area of Hartlepool when the incident happened.

She had left the keys in the ignition and had just got out of the vehicle when a man got in it.

The woman tried to stop him driving away, but fell on to the pavement, shattering her shoulder socket and breaking her arm.

The man also took the woman's handbag, which was in the car. It contained £120, and bank and credit cards.

The incident took place at 2.30pm last Wednesday in Oakland Avenue, Hartlepool.

Police are investigating the incident and anyone with any information is asked to contact (01642) 326326.