POLICE are asking for witnesses to come forward after a woman was robbed by a youth on a bicycle.

The 46-year-old victim was walking along Crescent Road, Middlesbrough, at about 3pm on Monday when she was approached from behind by the youth.

He snatched her handbag, which contained as a substantial amount of cash, as well as personal items including her family allowance book, which had just been cashed.

The thief rode off towards the Day and Night store, in Parliament Road.

He is described as white, about 14, tall but scrawny, with a spotty complexion with ginger or blond hair.

He was wearing a royal blue hooded top with dark tracksuit bottoms. He rode a bike with a yellow frame and black writing.

Anyone who witnessed the robbery or has any information is asked to call PC John Graham, of Cleveland Police, on (01642) 245183.