THE family of an 80-year-old woman left injured on the ground after being mugged pleaded today for help in catching her attackers.

Great-grandmother Marie Brooks, who is partially sighted and suffered a brain haemorrhage three years ago, was attacked in Mornington Road, Heaton, as she walked her dog Sammy.

She was discovered by a passer-by lying in agony on the pavement with a broken hip and head injuries at about 2.30pm on Thursday. Her handbag had been snatched.

Today detectives joined forces with her family in an effort to catch the "gutless" muggers. The attack happened yards from her home.

Mrs Brooks' daughter-in-law Susan Brooks, aged 44, said: "She is quite tall but very frail, the wind would blow her over. I am just totally disgusted by it all. She is very proud and independent.

"They are completely gutless to attack a defenceless lady -- heartless cowards who must be caught. Please help us find them."

Mrs Brooks was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital. Her condition was today described as stable.

Police in Bolton are also appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Det Sgt Brian Langrish, of Astley Bridge CID, said: "This was a cowardly attack on an elderly woman, who has suffered serious injuries as a result. It is vital that anyone who witnessed what happened comes forward and speaks to the police."

Mrs Brooks, a former care worker, has so far been unable to give police a clear description of her attacker. But detectives want to speak to a mystery man who stopped his car to help her. He may hold vital clues and is asked to contact police.

Police also want to speak to a motorcyclist and four youths in small red car who may have witnessed the attack.

Close friend Anita Bragan, aged 33, from Johnson Fold, added: "She is a lovely lady who will not say boo to a goose. She is friendly and polite and would help anyone. She has a heart of gold."

Mrs Brooks' husband died five years ago. She has two grand-daughters and five great-grandsons who live in Cheshire.

In January, a 71-year-old woman was left with a fractured shoulder and hip in a similar mugging in Great Lever.

She was walking along Eustace Street when a man approached her, dragged her to the ground and grabbed her handbag. The pensioner refused to let go and a struggle broke out. She is still undergoing rehabilitation following surgery at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Anyone with information about the latest attack should call Astley Bridge CID on 0161 856 5740 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.