A FRAIL pensioner who was kicked by a thug as he stole her purse today spoke about her ordeal.

The 81-year-old, from Accrington, said she was still terrified after the attack, which happened in Accrington town centre on Saturday afternoon.

She spoke out, assisted by a detective, as it was announced a £500 reward has been put up by CrimeStoppers for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the teenager responsible.

She was attacked at the junction of Nuttall Street and Edmund Street, at 4.10pm on Saturday. The pensioner, who is deaf, immediately handed over her purse to the thief but, for no reason, he kicked her in the leg before running off and making obscene gestures at her.

The elderly woman, who asked not to be named, said: "I offered him my purse straightaway but he still kicked me. Then he ran off, sticking his fingers up at me." She added: "I was very scared then and I am still very, very scared. It has upset me so much because I never thought something like this would happen to me."

She is now recovering at an address in the town, supported by friends and family.

Police are hoping the £500 CrimeStoppers reward will prompt somebody to shop the thug responsible for the attack.

DS Paul Elms, of Accrington CID, said: "What worries us is that this teenager carried on and kicked this woman even after he had her money. We fear he may well do it again.

"We are dealing with someone who obviously wanted to hurt a very frail, small, elderly lady. She has been left in state of shock and is still very upset.

"It was a vicious attack we would appeal for anyone who has information about who did it to contact us."

The attacker, who escaped up Clement Street, is described as white, aged 14-17 years and about 5ft 2ins tall. He has short hair, was clean shaven and was wearing a blue top and blue trousers.

Anyone with any information can call Accrington CID on 01254 382141 or the confidential CrimeStoppers line on 0800 555 111.