Mugged pensioner in hospital

Police called the attack 'cowardly and despicable'

An elderly woman is in hospital after being assaulted by a robber.

The 79-year-old was struck on the head from behind in an alleyway leading from Holly Close to Cheney Manor Road in Swindon.

The man demanded the pensioner's handbag, before trying to drag it off her shoulder.

The woman was then knocked to the ground by a second blow, and the assailant fled empty-handed in the direction of Holly Manor and Mulbery Grove.

'Blood stains'

The attack at 1030 GMT on Thursday left the pensioner bleeding from head wounds.

She is being treated at the town's Great Western Hospital.

Detective Sergeant Kier Pritchard of Swindon CID said: "The injuries are not believed to be life threatening, but this should not detract from the seriousness of this attack.

"The suspect may have blood stains on his clothing or body."

The assailant is described as white, 5 ft 4 in tall, in his late teens to early 20s.

He was clean shaven, wearing dark clothing and dark baseball cap.

Police are appealing for witnesses.