AN elderly woman has sustained serious injuries after she fell over as a robber snatched her handbag.

The 88-year-old was walking with her husband when the bag was yanked from her arm, causing her to fall to the ground.

She suffered a broken nose, fractured wrist and severe bruising in the incident in Colonel Stephens Way, Weston-super-Mare, last Thursday (January 10).

Police have issued these photos of her injuries.

The robber ran off down an alleyway leading to Oakford Avenue, where the handbag was later recovered without cash and a bank card inside.

om inside.

Detective Constable Matthew Stevenson said: "I’m sure these images will shock people who will be horrified that someone can target a vulnerable elderly woman in such a way.

"This is a despicable crime and we need the public’s help to identify the person responsible and bring them to justice.

"Did you see what happened?

"Did you see anyone running away from Colonel Stephens Way and discarding items around the time?

"Or, did you capture anything on your dashcam as you drove through the area?

"Information, no matter how insignificant you might think it is, might prove crucial to us finding whoever is responsible."

A 30-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and has since been released under investigation.

If you can help, call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5219006773.

You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111 or via their anonymous online form.