ROBBERS threatened a grandmother in her 60s with a hypodermic needle and stole her wedding ring as she walked home from church.

The men attacked and robbed the woman as she walked home from the Lakes Estate, in Redcar, east Cleveland.

The woman was struck from behind as she walked along a pedestrian cut between Mersey Road and Snowdon Crescent, on her way home from St Hilda's Church, at about noon on Monday.

They threatened her with a hypodermic needle before assaulting and robbing her, leaving her with grazes.

One of the men forced the victim to remove rings from her fingers while the other searched her bag and stole items from it, including money.

The woman, who was left traumatised by the attack, said: "All they said to me was to keep quiet and not to make any noise, not to look at them and to take off my rings. They just showed me the needle.

"They took five rings, including my wedding ring, which is really upsetting. They also took my purse -luckily it was just my loose change purse.

"The support of everyone has meant a great deal and it makes you realise that you are not alone."

One of the men wore a black hooded top.

Police say the rings are distinctive. Along with the wedding ring, an eternity ring and engagement ring were stolen.

Detective Sergeant Jon Green said: "This attack was particularly nasty given the age of the victim and the method used by the men involved. She is extremely shaken and upset."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01642) 326326. A local man in his 30s has been questioned and released on bail.