Police are now appealing for witnesses to the incident, which left the 73-year-old Hartlepool man requiring hospital treatment for a cut on his head.

The man, who has not been named by police investigating the attack, was walking along the town's Wynyard Road when he was approached and hit on the head.

The man, who was walking alone, approached a charity shop near Lloyd's Pharmacy.

As he neared the shop, someone approached him from behind and hit him on the head, making him to fall to the ground.

The man received a small cut which required hospital treatment at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

At the time of the attack the victim had £50 cash in his hand. The money was stolen by the suspect who then ran off.

The pensioner was unable to give police a clear description of his attacker and it is not known whether it is a man or a woman.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened on Saturday, August 23, at around 10pm.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Karl Hunt, at Hartlepool Police Station, on (01642) 302132.