A MUGGER snatched a woman's handbag in broad daylight.

The incident happened last Wednesday, although details of the attack have only just emerged, after the 59-year-old woman was walking along Thames Avenue, in Guisborough, at about 6pm.

A man had been walking behind her for some distance and suddenly ran up and grabbed her bag.

He dragged her along the road for a few steps as she hung on to her bag, but he made off after she was forced to let go.

The man ran to a white car - possibly a G or H registration hatchback - which was parked near to Severn Drive, and he was driven away by an accomplice.

The man is described as about 20 years old, 6ft, slim with dark short or shaven hair. He was wearing a beige and black horizontal striped top.

The bag was a rusty coloured, patterned tapestry bag with black handles and contained a purse with a small amount of cash, keys and clothing.

Police say that although the woman was not hurt, she was shocked and upset because the bag contained photographs of her young grandchildren.

PC Derek Taylor, from Guisborough Police, said: "This was a cowardly attack by a 20-year-old man on a woman of nearly 60. To think it took place in a leafy lane in broad daylight is unbelievable, and I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious around that time to contact the police as soon as possible."

Anyone who has any information should contact Guisborough police on (01642) 302026.