A WOMAN suffered cuts and bruises while fending off a handbag snatcher in Darlington last Friday morning.

The 54-year-old woman, who has asked not to be named, became the latest victim in a spate of similar attacks in the town while waiting for a bus in the Blackwell area at 10.10.

The thief, who had been standing behind her at the bus stop, grabbed her bag from behind after she raised her arm to look at her watch.

Although afraid, she said she was also determined not to give in to the attacker and clung on to the handbag.

She was dragged several yards along the ground before builders working nearby responded to her cries and chased the attacker away. He ran off, empty handed, in the direction off Blackwell Lane.

The woman was taken to Darlington Memorial hospital where she was treated for cuts and bruises to her legs, arms and hands.

Det Sgt Alec Francis, of Darlington police, said it was a natural reaction to defend herself and her property. He added: "We are just pleased that the woman was not harmed any more than she was and, hopefully, in time, she will be able to get over the incident."

The attacker was described as aged about 22, 6ft tall, of slim build with dark, short-cropped hair.

Anyone with information about this or any other attacks should contact Darlington police on 01325 467681 or Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555111.

New role for former chief

A FORMER deputy chief constable is policing new codes of conduct for Durham County Council's 61 elected members.

Mr Eddy Marchant, who retired last spring from the Durham force after nearly 41 years in uniform, has been appointed independent chairman of the newly-created standards committee.

He said: "The committee will set codes of conduct, as well as offering advice and training to all members of the authority. I will draw on the experience of my police background and the other members of the committee will provide the political dimension.

"Complaints against councillors will be referred to the committee in the first instance, although more serious allegations would be handled by the Standards Board for England."