A Brutal attack on a pensioner going home from a shopping trip was described by police as the worst case they had ever seen in Abingdon.

The 78-year-old, who lives in the town, suffered a dislocated shoulder and broken fingers in the attack in St Helen's Churchyard on Friday afternoon.

Det Con Chris Hand said: "It's one of the worst attacks on an elderly person I've ever known, certainly the worst in Abingdon. It's outrageous."

The teenage attacker six feet tall with short dark hair and a long fringe grabbed his victim from behind, forcing her to the ground before dragging her along a path as he struggled to free her fingers from her shopping bag.

He then kicked her several times as she lay defenceless. The attacker made off along Wilsham Road with the victim's blue nylon shopping bag, containing a brown leather handbag and cash.

Det Con Hand added: "This was a cowardly attack on a vulnerable elderly woman.

"We are very concerned because of the vulnerability of elderly people.

"She is a frail old lady who was subjected to a brutal attack after shopping in the town centre. We need to know if anyone saw someone running along Wilsham Road, or perhaps saw throwing the bag away."

The terrified woman managed to struggle home and alert relatives, who called the police. She was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, where she was treated as an outpatient.

Any witnesses should call police on 01235 556863.