AN 89-year-old woman was thrown to the ground and robbed by a boy aged about ten, police have confirmed.

The pensioner was walking along Walmgate, York, when the youth approached her from behind and wrenched a handbag from her arm. She was pulled to the ground and suffered grazed knees.

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York police, said the woman was left shocked and distressed by the incident, which happened at 7pm on Saturday.

He said: "This was a disturbing attack on an elderly lady in broad daylight."

The youth was wearing a light blue hooded jacket.

Elderly residents living near Walmgate said they were sickened by the attack.

One said: "I just can't believe it - what is the world coming to when a little boy does something like that?

"The poor old dear was too frail to defend herself. She must be going through hell now. I live in fear of being attacked when I go out to the shops or post office and I'm always on edge when there's someone walking behind me. I hang on to my handbag for dear life."

Sally Hutchinson, manager of the Age Concern shop in Walmgate, said: "This attack is a shocking thing to happen when we're trying so hard to encourage children to understand the needs of older people."