A SUPPORT group for crime victims has urged people to help catch the robber who mugged a frail widow and put her in hospital.

Victim Support, the counselling charity which Dorothy Hope, 77, will be referred to when she is released from hospital, said catching the man responsible would help her move on with her life.

Age Concern has issued a warning to the elderly to take extra care when walking while carrying money in public following the attack .

Dorothy, from Blackburn, was mugged in Adelaide Terrace, off Dukes Brow, Blackburn, at 5.20pm on Thursday. She suffered a broken shoulder and collarbone as well as cuts to her face and body.

A spokesman for Victim Support slammed the robber responsible for the "nasty" attack and urged witnesses to contact the police.

He said: "Violent crime is on the increase and we are always concerned when we hear about such a crime happening to an elderly or vulnerable person.

"They tend to be worse affected by the crime and its after effects.

"This sounds like a very nasty attack and we hope she has a very quick recovery.

"We would urge anyone with information to come forward."

Pauline Walsh, of Age Concern, Blackburn, added: "Age Concern deplore this type of street crime.

"We would urge the elderly to take care when walking in public. If they are handling money or carrying a purse or wallet they should keep it out of sight."

Police said the robber forced the widow, who has arthritis, to the ground before making off with her bag containing a purse and £20 cash.

Dorothy, who will be in hospital for about two weeks, cannot remember the attack but said she will never go out alone again at night.

Anyone with information should contact Blackburn police on 01254 51212, CID on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.