The 81-year-old was approached from behind by two youths in Halstead Place around 3pm on Wednesday.

The pair grabbed her bag containing cash and cards and escaped towards Victoria Road.

The woman was unhurt but was left shocked and shaken by the ordeal.

The youths were in their late teens or early 20s.

One was wearing a grey tracksuit top and the other a multi-coloured purple tracksuit top. Both were wearing white baseball caps.

One offender may have had two front teeth missing.

Later the same day, at about 4.20pm, a teenager is said to have tried to steal a handbag from a 50-year-old woman walking along Wharfedale Drive, South Shields.

The victim was approached from behind, but managed to fight off the would-be thief, who ran off towards Tyne Dock.

The youth was about 15, and was wearing a blue top, black pants and a black woollen hat. He had a brown pit bull-type dog with him.

Detectives say they are not linking the incidents, but are appealing for anyone with information to contact police on 08456 043 043 ext 65132.