Driver sought in pensioner attack

Mrs Vowles was treated at Bristol's Frenchay Hospital

Police are searching for a driver after an elderly woman was dragged along a road by a car during an attempted theft of her handbag.

Kathleen Vowles, 72, was walking in Bedminster Down, Bristol, when a maroon Rover 316 pulled up beside her and the driver asked for directions.

As the pensioner offered to help, the driver tried to grab the woman's handbag and accelerated away.

Mrs Vowles was dragged alongside the car until she fell, smashing her face on the ground.

Mrs Vowles was attacked in Bedminster Down

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

After the attempted theft, the car, registration number G339 LWN, 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 described as critical but stable.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information about it to contact them.