POLICE were last night questioning a woman in connection with a hammer attack on a pensioner.

The 47-year-old was arrested late on Monday night after the violent assault on an 84-year-old woman in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, earlier that day.

The woman, who is described as local, remained in custody last night.

The pensioner, who also lives in Wensleydale, has now been released from hospital after being treated for head injuries.

The victim was hit on the head four times with a hammer and her own walking stick in public toilets near the Posthorn Tea and Coffee house.

It is understood she had visited the post office in the Co-op supermarket, then Barclays bank, before crossing the market place to the toilets.

Police said she had withdrawn a large amount of money shortly before the attack.

The pensioner’s empty handbag was found in another public toilet opposite the town’s Sandpiper Inn.

It emerged yesterday that pupils attending Wensleydale School, in Leyburn, had been prevented from entering the town centre on Monday lunchtime amid concerns about their safety because of the attack.

Police confirmed yesterday they received a report from a member of the public that their car had been stolen from Leyburn market place at about the time of the attack.

However, the vehicle was later found by officers in the town centre and the owner accepted they had been mistaken about the theft.

The stick that belonged to the pensioner was recovered by officers, but the hammer has not been found.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call police on 0845-60-60-24-7.

Witnesses can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.