POLICE are concerned that nobody came to the aid of a 62-year-old Darlington woman who was mugged in broad daylight.

The woman was walking in Wordsworth Road, Skerne Park, last Friday at 10am, when she was approached from behind by two young men.

She was knocked down and one of the men rifled through her coat pockets before snatching her purse.

Both men ran off towards Coleridge Gardens.

Det Sgt Alec Francis, of Darlington police, said: "I'm quite concerned that this type of crime can occur in broad daylight without any public response.

"It is a completely unprovoked attack on an innocent member of the public for a small amount of cash."

The woman was badly shaken but unhurt in the attack.

The men were both white and wore blue anoraks and denim jeans.

l Two witnesses to a different attack on a woman in Southend Avenue, on Thursday of last week at 3pm, are also being urged to come forward. A man and a woman saw a male thief approach the woman and grab a purse from her bag.

The male witness chased the attacker along Polam Lane into Safeway car park, where he lost sight of him. It is not know whether the two witnesses were together or had just been walking in the same area.

Anyone with information should call Darlington police on 01325 467681 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Witnesses to the Southend Avenue attack should contact PC Sharon Spooner on 01325 742189.

Masked raiders attacked couple

MASKED raiders broke into an elderly couple's home in Darlington and terrorised them before making off with a handbag.

The two attackers, who wore dark clothing and ski masks, climbed through a window at the house in Witton Crescent, Branksome, on Wednesday of last week at about 8pm.

As one went downstairs, the other entered a bedroom where he confronted a 60-year-old woman, who was convalescing after an illness.

As she started to get out of bed, he pushed her back down and snatched the handbag.

The woman's husband, who was downstairs, heard what was going on and went to help, but the second man pushed him aside and ran off through the front door.

His accomplice escaped through an upstairs window.

Det Sgt Alec Francis, of Darlington police, said: "It is a serious incident and very distressing, and it had the potential to be a lot more serious."

Both attackers are believed to be about 18 or 19 years old. One was about 5ft 8in and of big build while the other was 5ft 6in and of smaller build.

Those with information are urged to contact the police on 01325 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where they could be eligible for a cash reward.