A PENSIONER who was mugged in broad daylight will suffer the “catastrophic impact” of the robbery for the rest of her life, says her family.

The victim, who is in her 80s, was left with a cut right down to her skull after being robbed of her bag in Stevenage on Saturday afternoon.

She fell backwards to the floor from the force and had to be rushed to hospital.

Speaking to the Comet this week, her family condemned the robbery and called for witnesses to come forward.

Her grandson, who has not been named to protect the identity of the victim, said: “This attack has left my nan very anxious and afraid. I cannot even begin to comprehend myself or put into words just how scared and how much of an affect that this attack would have on anybody, let alone a pensioner.

“I suspect that her attacker has not even begun to comprehend the severity of their actions and how this attack has had a catastrophic impact on my nan’s mental and physical health not only now but for the rest of her life.”

Good samaritans came to the aid of the victim, who the family want to thank.

They include an off-duty nurse and members of the public.

“Our family would like to thank several groups of people,” added the victim’s grandson.

“Firstly, anyone in the area at the time of the attack who aided our nan until the paramedics arrived and secondly to Herts Police and Lister Hospital staff who could not have been any more helpful.

“For what you all did on that day we will be eternally grateful and it’s reassuring to know that despite how awful this attack has been for our family and friends it‘s heartening to know that decent people do exist.”

He added: “While Herts Police continue to investigate the attack, I would urge anyone who might have any information to contact DC Jennings at Stevenage Police Station.”

The robbery happened on Ashdown Road at about 1pm. Following the incident, police closed the road at the junction with Broadwater Crescent for two hours. They say the woman was being watched by a man as she walked up the road.

The victim has since been released from hospital. Tests have come back clear, and she has not sustained any life-threatening injuries.

Anyone with information about the robbery can call Stevenage Police Station via the non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference E1/13/3791. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, an independent charity anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A man from Stevenage has been arrested in connection with the incident and bailed by police.