A PENSIONER taken to hospital after a traffic accident found her handbag was missing from the scene.

The 81-year-old woman was taken to hospital for a check-up after the accident involving a taxi in St Paul's Road, Hartlepool, shortly before noon, yesterday.

On arrival at hospital, she realised she had dropped her handbag at the scene, near St Luke's Church, and police returned, only to find it had gone.

It is unclear whether it has been stolen or picked up by a concerned passer-by.

The bag contained personal items and a small quantity of cash. Anyone with information is asked to ring PC Gary Hatton on (01429) 302126.