AN 80-years-old woman was left badly battered and bruised after being shoved into a fence by a mugger on her doorstep.

The widow, whose husband of 58 years died last October, was attacked outside her bungalow in Urmston, on Sunday, just before 6pm.

During the sickening attack she suffered a 4in split to her scalp when she was shoved against the fence and fell to the ground. As she lay bleeding on the ground her attacker ran off with her shoulder bag.

The pensioner, who had to spend a night in hospital and needed nine stitches, is now recovering at home and is being cared for by her son.

The widow, who does not want to be named, told SUM: "I'd been to the Christmas festival in St Anne's Square in Manchester. I'd had a lovely afternoon and caught the Metro and then a bus back home.

"I'd just got my key out and was about to open the door when he started shouting to me and asked if I knew this man. I turned to put my key in the door and he came through the gate and was behind me.

"He got hold of my shoulders and tried to get my bag off me - but he couldn't because the strap was around my chest. Then he got hold of me and flung me onto the grass and I hit my head on the fence.

"I don't know what happened after that because I was so bashed up. I just remember shouting help, help' and he ran off. I went around to a neighbour's house with my head bleeding and blood dripping off my coat."

The woman, who used to work as a shop assistant in men's fashion at Kendal's, added: "I can't believe it to be honest - all my friends think it's disgusting that this sort of thing can happen."

Sgt Mike Sever, from Trafford's robbery unit, said: "This woman was understandably left very shaken by this attack and is in a lot pain due to the injuries that she sustained to her head and face.

"For this to happen right outside of her home, a place where she felt safe and protected, has deeply affected her. Each time the woman steps foot out of her home she will be reminded of what happened to her on her own doorstep."

The offender was white, aged between 20 to 30-years-old and was smartly dressed in fawn and khaki coloured clothing.

Anyone with information should contact Trafford police on 0161 856 7553 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

After two attacks on the elderly on the streets of Stretford and Urmston in a week, do you think enough is being done to help the vulnerable?