A PLUCKY woman refused to give in to a would-be mugger when he tried to snatch her handbag.

The woman, aged 60, had been walking along Manor Road, St Helen Auckland, at 9pm on December 29 when a youth approached her and tried to grab her handbag.

A struggle followed, but she managed to hold on to her possessions, forcing the youth to flee empty-handed to a waiting car, which drove off in the direction of Tindale Crescent.

Detectives are trying to track down the man, who is described as between 19 and 20-years-old, about 5ft 11in, and slim.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Bishop Auckland police on (01388) 603566