AN elderly woman is recovering in hospital following the second attack on a pensioner in as many days.

The 65-year-old woman was walking home after a night out just before midnight on Tuesday, when she was approached by two men in Marton Grove Road, Middlesbrough.

The men, both wearing balaclavas, attempted to snatch her handbag, and when she resisted, they began kicking her.

They then fled with the bag, containing a small amount of cash. The woman was taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital suffering from a broken arm and a bruised hip.

The attack follows a similar incident in Queen Street, Redcar, on Monday night, when 81-year-old Ted Bavin was beaten up.

Although the muggers fled empty-handed, he was left with a suspected broken nose and an injured ankle.

Last night, Dave Punshon, chief executive of Teesside Age Concern, said such attacks appear to be on the increase.

"People should take out mobile phones, go out as a group, and let others know where they are. We should all keep our eyes open."

Detective Constable Evan Kirtley, of Middlesbrough CID, said: "This was a sickening attack on a vulnerable woman. It left her severely injured and in a distressed state."

Anyone with information on the mugging should ring (01642) 203334.

l Charity worker Rod Jones, of Middlesbrough, last night offered to put up his life savings of £500 as a reward for the arrest and conviction of Mr Bavin's mugger.

Mr Jones, who is unemployed and on benefits, said: "That is all I have, but it does not matter. There would be more if I had it.