Pensioner dies in handbag snatch

Molly Morgan worked in adult education for 25 years

An 81-year-old woman has died after she was hurt in a mugging in north-west London, in which a bag containing "virtually nothing" was stolen.

Molly Morgan was attacked as she walked alone in Streatfield Road, Harrow, at about 2000 GMT on Thursday.

She fell when the suspect grabbed her handbag, which contained an umbrella and extension lead but no money. She died in hospital eight hours later.

Mrs Morgan was attacked on her way to an educational association meeting.

She had worked for the Workers' Educational Association (WEA), which provides adult education, for 25 years.

Mrs Morgan was walking to Kenton Library, where she organised a local class, when the incident took place.

Police said Mrs Morgan fell when her handbag was pulled, suffering injuries to her head and the left side of her body.

It is absolutely tragic she was on her way to a meeting of an organisation set up to benefit others when she was attacked John Pennells, Harrow Council

Det Ch Insp Jessica Wadsworth said: "The assailant or assailants have attacked and killed Mrs Morgan for virtually nothing."

She added: "This is a tragic incident. Mrs Morgan's daughter describes her as a physically and mentally active person with a lively personality."

Harrow Council head of library services, John Pennells, said she was a "salt-of-the-earth person".

"She was very friendly to all and worked tirelessly for the WEA cause."

He added: "It is absolutely tragic she was on her way to a meeting of an organisation set up to benefit others when she was attacked."

Police have begun a murder inquiry and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

No-one has been arrested.