A WOMAN was left badly shocked after being held up at knifepoint for her handbag.

The 57-year-old was attacked outside the Honeysuckle pub, in Coatsworth Road, Bensham, Gateshead, on Wednesday, at 12.45pm.

The attacker, who made off in a waiting car, was 5ft 6in, of Afro-Carribean appearance, with a goatee beard, long sideburns and designer stubble. He was wearing a dark blue woolly cap and a dark blue, hip-length, nylon coat.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gateshead CID on 0191-454 7555, extension 64145.