Residents of a quiet North Yorkshire market town were today reeling from the vicious mugging of two pensioners.

Locals said the incident, which left the 61 and 79-year-old women badly shaken and with minor injuries, was the first such crime in Easingwold for many years.

But the victims, who were visiting from Leeds, were said to be touched by the way residents rallied round to help - the mugger was chased by two local businessmen, and the victims cared for by workers in a nearby building society.

The incident happened at about 11.45am yesterday in Spring Street.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the mugger grabbed the handbag of the 61-year-old woman. She and her companion struggled, but she was pulled to the ground and the bag strap snapped.

The businessmen pursued the man, but he ran off to a car where a blonde woman was waiting.

The mugger was said to be in his mid 30s, 6ft tall and slim.

He was wearing a khaki baseball cap, khaki trousers and a dark leather jacket.

The car, a red Peugeot hatchback, drove off in the direction of the A19.

Witnesses, or anyone who recognises the description of the man, is asked to ring North Yorkshire Police on 01609 78313, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Updated: 15:23 Tuesday, March 27, 2001