A pensioner was left with a fractured eye socket after a "cowardly" robber grabbed her handbag and pulled her to the ground.
Shortly after 9.30pm on Tuesday, May 7, officers received a report that a 79-year-old woman had been robbed in the Claremont North Avenue area of Gateshead.
It was reported that the woman was grabbed from behind and pulled to the ground by a robber, who stole her bag before making off.
The pensioner was left with serious facial injuries due to the fall, including a fractured eye socket, and was left shaken.
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Police inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible, and officers have now asked anybody who saw anything suspicious in the area to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Detective Constable Joanne Newton, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a despicable and cowardly crime against an elderly member of our community.
“The victim was going about her everyday business when we believe she was approached by an offender and pulled to the ground.
“The impact of her heavy fall resulted in her sustaining significant facial injuries, and the perpetrator then made off with her handbag. The victim is being supported by officers as our inquiries continue.
“We are determined to trace those involved and would now ask members of the public who witnessed the incident, or have any information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 1145 070519 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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