Telford attack victim, 73, needs replacement hip operation

The 73-year-old woman was attacked by a bag snatcher who pushed her to the ground as she walked home from in Telford.

Now in the Princess Royal Hospital, the pensioner is set to have a full hip replacement on Friday, and family members say she has been thoroughly shaken by the attack.

Granddaughter Michelle Smith, 28, of Donnington in Telford, said: "When we went to see her earlier, she said she still had the vision of the man running away from her.

"She's been very shaken by it and it will take her a while to get back on her feet.

"She's a widower, and was it was very traumatic when we lost my granddad.

"He was battling a rare cancer for years and she was finally getting back to herself and then this has happened.

"We are all just disgusted. We know it happens, but when it happens to someone you know you just can't believe it."

Mrs Smith's grandmother, who is not being named, is hoping to be out of hospital within a week after the operation.

But the attack, which happened at about 5.30pm on Monday has left the community as a whole startled.

Mrs Smith said: "We know that a lot of her friends have gone to see her and everyone is just horrified.

"She's really a lovely person, very active and likes to do everything herself, she's great with the grandchildren and very independent.

"It leaves other elderly people very worried that it can happen in their own neighbourhood."

She added: "We just hope someone comes forward with some information so we can find out who did this."

The woman was attacked at the back of community hall, near to Meadcroft, despite the area being busy at the time.

Owners of Andy's Fish and Chip Shop, in Park Street, where the woman had bought her dinner, said they were "totally horrified" at the attack.

They said they had been inundated with inquiries from customers about the welfare of the woman.

The robber ran off with her bag in the direction of Joseph Rich Avenue wearing a dark jacket, royal blue coloured hooded top, dark bottoms and trainers. No further description has been given.

The victim's black leather handbag, beige purse, keys, credit cards and mobile phone are yet to be recovered.

Detective Inspector Billy Scott said: "This is a lady who lives in the area and walks everywhere.

"She had just collected her tea from the local fish and chip shop and was walking home when she was attacked.

"Her bag may have been discarded nearby and I ask for the public to look out for it. It was also early evening with many people around and coming home from work.

"If somebody saw this man running away or hanging around the area before the incident, I ask them to come forward."

DI Scott added: "This is a horrendous offence. We need the public's help to identify him."

Police are anxious to identify the offender and ask for anyone who has information to call them on 101, quoting incident number 533S of Monday, July 7.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org