A MURDER hunt was under way last night after the death of a great-grandmother - mugged for her fish supper.

Marie Watson, 77, was attacked only yards from her North-East home earlier this month.

She was wrestled to the ground by a youth who wrenched away her shopping bag - containing only a piece of cod for her supper and a few personal items.

The widow, who lived alone in Heaton, Newcastle, despite being partially-sighted and suffering hearing problems, was taken to hospital suffering from severe bruising, a fractured right arm and broken ribs.

On Saturday, nine days after the brutal attack, Mrs Watson died of medical complications stemming from her injuries.

Detective Superintendent Derek Storey, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "This was an appalling, unprovoked attack upon an elderly and defenceless woman who was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, committed during daylight in a densely populated residential area.

"The family is totally devastated."

Mrs Watson was making her way home from Chillingham Road, Heaton, after visiting Gill's fish and chip shop.

She had reached Rothbury Terrace, close to her Spencer Street home, when the attacker pounced at about 7.45pm on April 4.

Mrs Watson was treated at Newcastle General Hospital for her injuries and released to be cared for by relatives. But her condition deteriorated and she returned to hospital where she died.

Last night, Mrs Watson's family issued this statement through the police:

"Our mother's death was undignified and she has gone before her time. She was as much a friend as a mother to us, and she will be sorely missed by us all. We appreciate all the efforts being put into finding the person responsible."

Yesterday, Heaton residents and staff at Gill's expressed their shock. Fish shop assistant Mandy Devlin, who served Mrs Watson before the mugging, said: "She was a happy and friendly lady.

"She always had just a fish because she couldn't manage the chips as well.

"When I found out she had died, I just couldn't believe it. They should lock him up and throw away the key."

Trudi Ranson, Victim Support's Durham and Darlington area manager, urged pensioners not to panic. "This will have frightened a lot of older people but while they should take sensible precautions, they shouldn't become reclusive," she said.

The attacker is described as smaller than Mrs Watson, who was 5ft 6in, in his mid to early teens, and wearing fawn or beige trousers.

Last night, Det Supt Storey appealed for anyone with information on the attacker or the bag, which has not been recovered, to call police on 0191-214 6555, extension 62868.