AN ELDERLY woman was attacked on her own doorstep by a thief who snatched her handbag containing £90.

Ethel Wilson, aged 77, had just returned to her home in Crompton Way, Bolton, after a night out with friends at Mecca Bingo in Breightmet on Saturday.

She had been dropped off by a taxi at around 9.45pm and was getting her house keys out of her bag when she was robbed.

The thief came up from behind her and tore the bag from her shoulder. The force of the snatch pulled Mrs Wilson to the ground and caused her to bang her head and hurt her elbow.

Today she said that the attack had left her feeling scared and traumatised.

"I am very upset. It keeps going through my head," she said.

"But I am also very angry When I go out I play it safe and get a taxi to the club and back. But you don't expect to be mugged on your own doorstep.

"I will be very timid about going out now."

The robber, described as male dressed in black, fled the scene, close to the junction of Archer Avenue.

Neighbours said they saw a man running towards Turner Bridge Road.

The handbag contained £90 which Mrs Wilson had drawn out from the bank earlier in the day.

Graham Wilson, Mrs Wilson's son, said: "My mother is very independent but this has really knocked her confidence. She's been really shaken up."

A police spokesman said that inquiries were ongoing and appealed for anyone who may have any information to call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

It is the second assault on the family in as many months. Mr Wilson's stepson, Ian Gallagher, was left for dead by a gang of up to 20 yobs, who kicked and stamped on him when he tried to stop them smashing car windows.

He was attacked on his own doorstep when he challenged the louts in Long Lane, Breightmet, in the early hours of Saturday, June 10.

He is now recovering at home, following an operation to mend his jaw, which was snapped in two places during the savage attack.

Police are still hunting his attackers.