Pensioner dragged along by car

The victim is in a critical but stable condition

An elderly woman is critically ill in a Bristol hospital after being dragged along the road by a car.

The 72-year-old woman was walking in Bedminster Down when a car pulled up alongside her, and the occupants asked for directions.

As she started to help, the driver grabbed the woman's handbag and accelerated away.

The pensioner was dragged alongside the car for several yards until she fell, smashing her face on the ground.

Head injuries

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The incident happened at 1330 GMT on Tuesday 10 December on Felton Grove.

After the attempted theft, the car drove off at speed towards Bishopsworth Road.

The woman was taken to the Bristol Royal Infirmary suffering from serious head injuries, but later transferred to Frenchay Hospital.

Her condition is critical but stable.