A 100-year-old woman was left with a broken neck after being knocked to the ground by muggers who took her handbag.
The centenarian had her green handbag stolen at 8.30am today near the junction of St Chad’s Road and Empress Road in Normanton, Derbyshire, police said.
The woman, who also suffered bruising to her face, said she was approached from behind before being knocked over.
She is still in hospital but her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening at this time.
Detective Sergeant Laura Kershaw said: ‘The victim has been unable to give us a description of the person or persons responsible for this robbery – this is why we need your help to find who did this.
A 100-year-old woman who was mugged near the junction of St Chad’s Road and Empress Road in Normanton, Derbyshire (pictured), was left with a broken neck after the attack
‘If you were in or around the junction of Empress Road and St Chad’s Road at around 8.30am – and to anyone who may have been in the area of Moore Street and Normanton Road between 8.30am and 9.15am.
‘We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen anyone with a bag matching the one pictured in any suspicious circumstances.
‘In particular, if you have CCTV or dash cam footage that may have picked up the footage of the offence or of the offenders carrying the bag in the nearby area.
‘This is a particularly nasty incident that has targeted a very vulnerable elderly woman who was unable to defend herself. We need your help to find and stop those responsible.’
The centenarian’s green handbag, pictured, was found at the junction of Moore Street and Normanton Road. Police are appealing for information about the attack this morning
The stolen green bag, which is made of fake leather and gold clasps, was found at the junction of Moore Street and Normanton Road.
Anyone with any information is being asked to call 101 quoting reference 224-280518.
The incident has sparked anger on social media.
Vonnie Witton said: ‘What is this country coming to? Absolutely disgusting.’
Rhia Mclean wrote: ‘100 year old robbed and for what. The poor woman wouldn’t have been able to fight back.’
Sarah Bowley added: ‘I do hope the lady makes as good a recovery as she is able. And I will start praying that there is a pit deeper than hell for the absolute scum that did this to her. Absolutely disgusting.’