THESE are the shocking injuries suffered by a 74-year-old woman after a robber attacked her and stole her handbag.

Jeanette Banfield is still in Southend Hospital being treated for a broken wrist and a cut above her left eye, after the thief pounced as she made her way home from a night out.

The mugger jumped out of a car, in Olivia Drive, Leigh, and grabbed her black leather handbag, which has beige stitching on the handle.

During the struggle, he pushed Mrs Banfield to the ground before escaping.

Det Insp Lesley Ford, from Leigh CID, urged anyone with information to come forward.

She said: "This was a particularly vicious and completely unprovoked attack on Mrs Banfield who was on her way home following an evening out.

"I am keen to identify and arrest her attacker at the earliest opportunity.

"I would appeal to the public, who were in the area of the Olivia Drive junction with London Road, Leigh, about 11.45pm on Tuesday, to contact the police.

"They may have vital information that may assist the investigation."

Inside the bag was a red leather purse with stars printed on it and a Nokia mobile phone.

The thief is slim, with dark hair and is believed to have been wearing a stripy top.

It is not clear if the robber escaped in a car or on foot.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det Insp Ford on 0300 3334444 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.