Police Hunt Bag-Snatcher Who Broke Octogenarian's Arm

Suspect Using Stolen Card

Police are hunting this suspected bag-snatcher after an 87 year-old woman suffered a broken arm when robbed in south London.

The attack occurred at about 11.30am on Saturday, March 16 in Pendennis Road, Streatham.

The victim had been buying flowers and Prosecco in Streatham High Road as she was preparing to visit family later that day.

She met a friend, another elderly lady, and the two of them walked home together.

The pair parted ways when her friend reached her house and the victim continued walking, carrying her black handbag with the straps over her right forearm.

The victim later told police she then felt a ‘mighty blow’ from behind when she reached Pendennis Road that knocked her off her feet and onto the ground.

From the floor she glimpsed a male running away from her, heading back towards Streatham High Road.

He was slim, dressed in black trousers and wore a black jacket with the hood up.

She tried to get up, but realised that she could not as she was in so much pain from her right arm.

She then realised her handbag was missing and screamed for help.

Her cries alerted a member of the public, who came out of his home and assisted her.

Police and the London Ambulance Service were called and the victim was treated at hospital.

Her right arm was found to be to be broken and she needed stitches to her right hand.

Broken: OAP's Injured Arm

Shortly after the theft, a number of transactions were made using her stolen cards at shops in Streatham High Road.

Police are releasing CCTV footage of the person using these cards in an attempt to trace him.

The handbag was later recovered by police in a nearby street.

Detective Constable Caroline Benjamin of the Robbery Investigation Team based at Walworth police station, said: “This was a horrible and cynical attack on a vulnerable and defenceless woman.

“The victim is now too scared to walk around on her own and was left unable to sleep in her bed due to the pain of her injuries.

“She prides herself on being a person who looks after other people, but she now has to rely on others to bring her meals and help her with her affairs.

“No one should ever be left feeling frightened to walk out in their own community. I am sure bringing the person responsible to justice will help allay her trauma.

“This deplorable thug needs to be brought to justice as soon as possible and I am appealing to the public to help.

“I would ask anyone who recognises the suspect, saw the events leading up to the robbery, or saw the suspect later in the shops, to call police immediately.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Quote CAD 3130/16MAR.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.