A police manhunt has been launched to find a ‘deplorable thug’, who brutally robbed an 87-year-old and left her with a broken arm in Streatham.
Officers today released CCTV footage of a man they want to speak to in connection with the “vicious” incident.
It occurred at around 11.30am on Saturday, March 16, in Pendennis Road, SW16.
The elderly victim had been shopping on Streatham High Road, and had bought flowers and prosecco for a family occasion later that day.
She met with a friend, another elderly lady, and they walked home from the shops together.
Her friend reached her house, and they parted ways, while the victim carried on walking to her house.
Then the victim felt a “mighty blow” from behind, which knocked her to the ground. From the floor she saw a man running away, towards Streatham High Road.
He was slim, dressed in black trousers and wore a black jacket with the hood up. The victim tried to get up but couldn’t as she was in too much pain from her right arm.
She realised her handbag was missing and then cried out for help – and a member of the public rushed out of their house to help.
Her right arm was broken and she needed stitches to her hand.
Shortly after the vicious theft, her stolen card was used at several shops on Streatham High Road. Police later recovered her black handbag from a nearby street.
Detective Constable Caroline Benjamin of the Robbery Investigation Team based at Walworth police station, said: “This was a horrible and cynical attack on a vulnerable and defenceless woman.
“The victim is now too scared to walk around on her own and was left unable to sleep in her bed due to the pain of her injuries.
“She prides herself on being a person who looks after other people, but she now has to rely on others to bring her meals and help her with her affairs.
“No one should ever be left feeling frightened to walk out in their own community. I am sure bringing the person responsible to justice will help allay her trauma.
“This deplorable thug needs to be brought to justice as soon as possible and I am appealing to the public to help.
“I would ask anyone who recognises the suspect, saw the events leading up to the robbery, or saw the suspect later in the shops, to call police immediately.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Quote CAD 3130/16MAR.
To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.