Byline: By KATY SIMPSON
CHILDREN as young as 12 are among those behind a spate of bag snatch attacks on Tyneside.
In three raids, women have been left shaken after their handbags were grabbed in broad daylight.
Police are hunting the offenders, who are thought to be boys and young men, ranging in ages from around 12 to 20.
In one attack, an 81-year-old was on Church Walk, Walker, Newcastle, on Friday when a youth rode up behind her on a bike and tried to grab her bag.
She clung on to her property and the raider fell from his bike in the 4pm attack.
Getting back up again, the boy, just aged 12 or 13, rode off.
He was white, with short, dirty blond hair, and wearing a pink and fawn striped jumper and blue trousers.
Less than 24 hours later, a 22-year-old woman was targeted as she strolled in Jesmond Dene, between Jesmond Dene Road and Pet’s Corner.
Outnumbered by two teenagers, the victim was knocked to the ground as a tussle for her bag broke out.
She was left shaken on the ground as the offenders ran off with her bag at around 12.40pm on Saturday.
The youngsters were white, in their late teens, 5ft 8in, with light brown hair, and the first was wearing a dark jacket with a hood up.
A third woman was mugged on Sunday under the Byker Bridge, near to the City Stadium.
It was around noon when the 19-year-old was targeted by an opportunist, who snatched her bag as he ran past.
The man, between 16 and 20, is described as white, with ginger hair, stocky build and a round face. He was wearing a grey and black hooded top and grey tracksuit bottoms.
Det Sgt Tony Gallagher of Newcastle CID, said: “We’re doing all we can to find these four offenders and make arrests.
“Thankfully no-one was injured in these incidents, although all of them were left shaken.
“I’d like to urge the public in the area to be extra vigilant, not to carry large amounts of money or anything particularly valuable in your handbag, and avoid remote areas.
“Anyone with information should contact us as soon as possible so we can bring these four to justice.”
Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact police on 03456 043 043.
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