Woman, 51, punched as bag is stolen
Feb 27 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal
POLICE moved to quell neighbours’ fears in Sunderland yesterday after a woman was repeatedly punched in the face for her handbag in broad daylight.
The robbery happened on Burnaby Street in the Barnes area of the city at around 10.10am on Monday.
While on her way to the shops, the 51-year-old woman was hit in the back by a man who tried to grab her bag. As she resisted, the attacker punched her in the face until she released the bag. He then made off in the direction of Chester Road.
A few neighbours heard the woman’s screams and went to her assistance but her attacker had already gone.
The woman, who suffered serious facial injuries, was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital and is now recovering at home.
Soiful Khan, 30, a chef who lives on Burnaby Street, was woken by the woman’s cries.
He said: “I heard a woman screaming then a crying sound. I looked out the window and saw a woman lying on the ground. Her face was badly beaten – she had really bad injuries to her face.
“There was lots of bruising around her eyes.
“A few neighbours went out to help her and a man put a blanket on her.
“It might happen to anyone on the street – it’s really worrying.”
Meanwhile, 79-year-old Norah Monte said she is getting increasingly reluctant to leave her house. “You are so suspicious of everyone,” she said.
“There are quite a few elderly people on the street, so you really worry.
“I think it’s becoming more of a problem – we never had anything like this when I was young.”
But despite their concerns, Det Insp Ron Cruikshanks, of Northumbria Police, said: “These incidents are very rare and, while the bravery of the victim can’t be doubted, offenders of this type can be very determined and he has resorted to a vicious attack.
“I would ask people to bear this in mind if they are involved in a similar incident.
“The woman involved is a respectable family lady on her way shopping.
“It looks like she has been targeted because she is vulnerable.
“She has been very badly shaken by the whole thing but, I would say, these things don’t happen every day.”
Just before he ran towards the woman, the attacker was seen jumping out of a silver car and police are urging anyone who saw its movements around the time of the attack to contact them.
The robber was described as white, 5ft 8in, in his early 20s, clean shaven, with a round face.
He spoke with a local accent and wore a black jacket and a black wooly hat.
Anyone with information should contact police on 08456 043 043, ext 66244.
