A WOMAN of 83 was left in agony with a broken hip after she was mugged by a teenage thug.

The plucky pensioner tried to fight off the young attacker, who pounced as she headed to shops in Church Street, in Leigh town centre, last night.

But she broke her hip when she crashed to the pavement as the mugger ripped a £1,000 gold bracelet from her wrist.

The thief fled, leaving the pensioner in agony until paramedics arrived. Today the Leigh woman, who has not yet been named, was recovering at Royal Bolton Hospital.

Doctors described her condition as comfortable.

Detectives described the robbery as "a heartless attack on a defenceless old lady" and are appealing for witnesses to the mugging, which took place at 4.15pm.

"People like this are dangerous and heartless," said Detective Chief Inspector Mike Whiting. "Anyone who is prepared to attack an old lady and cause serious injury must be regarded as a menace."

The robber is believed to have sped away in a car, but few details were available about the attack early today as police were still waiting to quiz the pensioner about her ordeal.

Witnesses are urged to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Leigh police station on 0161-856 7251.

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