A PENSIONER was taken to hospital with a broken arm after a mugger pushed her to the ground and snatched her handbag.

The incident happened as the 71-year-old victim was walking to the rear of St Peter’s School in Clifton, heading towards Marygate.

The mugger approached the pensioner from behind and pushed her to the floor. He then grabbed her handbag and rode off on a push bike, leaving his victim on the ground.

As a result of the attack, the 71-year-old woman was taken to York Hospital with fractures to her upper arm.

Colin Ventress, of York CID, said: “This was obviously a very distressing attack on an elderly woman who has been left injured and shocked by the incident. North Yorkshire Police would appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident, was in the area at the time or recognises the description of the attacker to come forward as a matter of urgency.”

Local councillor David Scott said he was “extremely shocked” by the incident, which comes on the back of recent crime figures that revealed offending in the area had dropped by 20 per cent last year.

“I am distressed and alarmed that this attack – especially on an elderly woman – has happened,” he said.

“Thankfully incidents like this are few and far between in Clifton but obviously we can never be complacent.

“I shall speak with the local safer neighbourhood team to see if there is anything the council can be doing in conjunction with police to see to prevent an offence like this occurring again.”

Police are now appealing for any one with information to come forward following the attack, at about 5pm on Thursday.

The attacker is described as a white male, in his mid 30s, who wore a light-coloured top.

Anyone with any information should contact York CID on 0845 6060247. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.