POLICE are hunting two thugs who mugged a pensioner for her handbag.

The teenagers targeted the elderly victim as she walked along Harvard Avenue, Stockton, at about 3.10pm on Sunday.

The 75-year-old was near Stockton Campus when the two youths grabbed her handbag and ran off towards the railway line behind Thornaby station.

Both were white and in their late teens.

The first was about 5ft 8ins with short black hair and was wearing a navy blue track suit with a red stripe down the sleeves.

The other was slightly taller, slim and wearing a dark green baseball cap, light blue top and green track suit bottoms.

A small amount of cash and a Lloyds TSB cheque book were among the property stolen.

The victim was uninjured but needed treatment for shock at North Tees Hospital, where she was detained overnight.

She has since been allowed home.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact PC Iain Jones on (01642) 302218.