A PENSIONER has been left with two black eyes and a broken arm in five places after a heartless thief stole her handbag containing just £70 in a Coventry street.
Eileen Flynn was dragged to the floor in Eden Street on Monday (February 13) just before 5pm by a man who ran off with her handbag.
The 79-year-old is now facing a lengthy stay in hospital having been left bruised, battered and her arm placed in plaster as a result of her injuries.
It is believed the attacker was wearing a reddish coat or jacket and ran off down Crabmill Lane with the two-handled black bag.
With her family’s permission, detectives have released an image of Eileen and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the attack to get in touch.
Eileen’s granddaughter Laura Hughes described the attack as “disgusting” and urged people to help circulate the appeal for information.
She said: “My nan is still quite active, she has her bus pass and likes to get out and about.
“She popped into the Adam & Eve pub with her friends for a half of shandy and to play some games, but was attacked before she had reached the top of the road.
“It’s disgusting someone can put an old woman in hospital for the sake of a relatively small sum of money.
“You’d think the person responsible would feel incredibly guilty for carrying out the attack.
“I’m sure someone out there has suspicions about who was responsible – perhaps they’ve overheard someone talking about it or someone who’s flashing money around without a good explanation for how they came about it.
“My nan now has to live in hospital for a week and is currently waiting for an operation – with weeks or even months of recovery facing her after she’s discharged.
“If anyone thinks they can help then please call the police, if this man has done it to one pensioner he can do it to another.”
Det Con Karim Elliott said the person responsible needs to be caught before another incident occurs.
She said: “This case is a truly sickening attack on a vulnerable lady.
“The offender does not deserve any protection so if anyone has suspicions about who was responsible I’d urge them to get in touch.
“They don’t need to leave their name − we just want information that will help us catch this callous thief.
“I’m hopeful someone will have seen what happened as it happened near the Gallagher Retail Park during rush hour.
” If anyone recalls seeing a man carrying a woman’s handbag I’d again ask them to call us.”
Anyone with information is urged to call Coventry Police’s Investigation Team in Willenhall police station on the 101 number − or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
