Peterborough: Pensioner Mugged In Alleyway

21 January 2014, 06:06 | Updated: 21 January 2014, 06:09

A Pensioner has been pushed to the ground by a handbag snatcher in Peterborough.

79-year-old Shelia Johnson was walking through an alleyway between Pipistrelle Court and Ainsdale Drive, Werrington, when she was attacked at about 4.15pm on Saturday (January 18).

She was pushed to the ground by the offender who then grabbed her handbag. He then made off on a BMW bicycle with another youth.

Shelia told Heart, "I was so distraught, I didn't know what to do.

"I was so worried because he'd got my bag with my house keys in. 

"It's a horrible feeling to think someone just comes behind you and thumps you in the back, and you're down.

"I managed to get up and I tried to go after him, but that was a no-go really, because they're so fast."

Both are described as white, 15 to 20, slim and 5' to 5'10''. Both were wearing dark clothing.

The bag was later recovered nearby but her mobile phone and purse were missing.

Shelia suffered slight injuries.

Detective Constable Kevin Poole, investigating, said: "This was a nasty attack on an elderly woman and I would urge anyone with any information about who is responsible to call police.

"It was sheer luck that the woman did not suffer more serious injuries."

Anyone with any information should call DC Poole on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.