A WOMAN has fallen victim to crooks twice within minutes.

The 63-year-old had gone shopping to help old people at a Teesside day care centre where she works, when she was mugged.

The unnamed victim was loading gifts, chocolates and Easter eggs into the back of her car, in Sharrock Close, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, when a man came from behind and grabbed at her handbag which was over her shoulder, a Cleveland Police spokesman said.

"She struggled in a vain bid to stop the bag being snatched, but was overpowered and the man ran off towards the A66," he said.

The man's victim gave chase, but she lost sight of her attacker and the black leather bag containing more than £1,000 in cash.

She returned to Sharrock Close only to find someone had stolen her car, a green Vauxhall Corsa, registration number W182 VBT.

The bag snatcher is described as being between 5ft 10in and 6ft and of medium build.

He was wearing a grey woolly hat, navy blue waist length jacket and blue jeans.

Witnesses to either of yesterday's thefts are asked to contact Cleveland Police, on (01642) 303110 or 303126.