An 89-year-old pensioner bravely tried to fight off two muggers with her walking stick after being attacked for a few groceries just yards from her home, police said today.

The attackers even forced the terrified pensioner's shopping bag over her head in bid to keep her quiet as she tried in vain to fend them off.

The woman, who was treated at the scene by paramedics, was today recovering at home. She does not want to be identified.

Detectives hunting the muggers, who fled with just a few items of shopping, have appealed for help in catching the men.

The incident took place on Friday afternoon near the junction of Hawthorn Terrace and Lawson Terrace, in Durham City, as she made her way home from a shopping trip.

A Durham Police spokesman said today: "She was approached from behind by two men who grabbed her black canvas shoulder bag and forced it over her head.

"This made her fall to the ground and she lost her glasses which were broken during the incident. "The victim managed to strike the legs of one attacker with her walking stick and tried to cling on to her bag but one strap snapped.

"The men grabbed the bag and the few items of shopping in it and ran off.

"The woman suffered grazed knees and knuckles and was treated at the scene by paramedics.

"This was a shocking incident where an elderly lady has been deliberately targeted.

"She is very sprightly for her age but quite hard of hearing and it's almost certain she would not have heard the two men come up behind her.

"She was badly shaken by the incident but, thankfully, does not seem to have suffered any lasting, physical ill-effects."

Police said the descriptions of the men were sketchy but one appeared to be wearing a navy top and grey trousers.