WITNESSES are urged to come forward after a woman's handbag was snatched as she made her way down steps leading to a beach.

The victim, in her 50s, was descending from the large public car park opposite Seaham Hall, County Durham, to the nearby beach.

Two youths pushed past her and grabbed her bag from her shoulder, before making off up the steps towards the car park.

They were said to be in their late teens, both about 5ft 10in, and of slim build. They wore loose-fitting clothing and baseball caps. One wore white trainers.

Police have asked anyone in the area at the time to come forward, particularly a man walking a dog. He is believed to have left the beach using the same set of steps as the victim, shortly before the incident took place, at about 9.10am last Friday.

Police can be contacted on 0191-581 2255.