Two grandmothers were left battered by a vicious attacker for the sake of just £4.

Emily Nessworthy, 83, and Annie Turnbull, 70, were attacked a few streets apart on the same afternoon.

Both needed hospital treatment and Mrs Nessworthy may need plastic surgery to mend severed tendons.

Police investigating the muggings in Arthur's Hill, Newcastle, on Tuesday described the culprit as "ruthless". He took just £4 in loose change.

From her hospital bed Mrs Nessworthy said: "I only had a little change left in my purse after doing my shopping.

"I saw this man approaching me and then he suddenly grabbed my arm and dragged my bag from me.

"He pulled me off my feet and I hit the ground where I lay shaking until a car stopped to help me.

"I have a broken elbow and bruises and my hand was so badly cut I may need surgery on the tendons."

Mrs Turnbull was about to walk through her front door when a man grabbed her, lifted her off her feet and took the shopping bag from her arm.

She was bruised and shocked but able to return home after treatment.

A man has been arrested and was still being questioned last night.