A WOMAN was robbed of thousands of pounds when two men pounced on her as she returned from a post office with state benefits for elderly residents of a home.

A police spokesman said the 35-year-old victim, a member of staff of Epworth Residents' Home on New Front Street, Tanfield Lea, Stanley, County Durham, had gone across the road to the nearby post office at 8.50am yesterday.

Detective Constable Kevin Hall, of Stanley CID, said: "As she made her way home with about £3,000 worth of benefits she was approached by two men in their mid-twenties - one to the front of her, the other to the rear.

"They tried to grab the yellow linen cash bag which she was carrying in both hands and a struggle ensued.

"Despite her best efforts she could not prevent the attackers from running off with the bag and its contents, which also included around two dozen benefit books."

She suffered bruising around her arms and shoulder from the struggle for the bag and was left shaken by the incident.

The two robbers ran off in the general direction of Tanfield Lea Industrial Estate.

The two sons of the residential home's owner gave chase, but they were unable to catch the culprits.

Det Con Hall said: "The robbery took place in daylight near to a number of shops as well as the post office, so there would have been numerous people around at that time.

"We would like to hear from anyone who saw what happened, or who may have seen these two characters earlier in the morning.

"Apparently, they were hanging around the bus stop nearest to the post office for a good 45 minutes before they carried out the robbery."

The first robber was described as 5ft 7in, of medium build, wearing a black woollen hat and burgundy bomber jacket. His accomplice was a little taller, with dark hair and wore a mustard-coloured jacket and dark trousers.

Anyone with information has been urged to call (01207) 232144