THE elderly victim of a street mugger has spoken of her ordeal. The 83-year-old from Stevenage said today (Wednesday): I would like to please ask others to be cautious and aware of what is happening around you while out and about. I would not want what

THE elderly victim of a street mugger has spoken of her ordeal.

The 83-year-old from Stevenage said today (Wednesday): "I would like to please ask others to be cautious and aware of what is happening around you while out and about.

"I would not want what happened to me to happen to anyone else. I am positive the police will apprehend this perpetrator and the justice system will deal accordingly."

She was robbed of her bag in The Muntings shortly after she had got off a bus on Valley Way, Stevenage.

It happened at just before 11am on Monday last week. The woman was approached from behind by the offender, who grabbed her bag, causing her to fall to the floor. The man then ran off with the bag which contained just �10. His victim sustained substantial injuries to her face which needed treatment at Lister Hospital.

Police made an initial appeal for witnesses and information shortly after the mugging.

Detective Inspector Kay Lancaster said the local community had been "appalled" by the incident.

She added: "I would like to re-appeal to anyone who believes they may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area that morning, specifically if you may have seen the offender running towards Peartree Park. If you have any information I would strongly urge you to contact police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Craig Blake or DC Beverley Jennings via the non-emergency number on 0845 33 00 222. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.