All this person got was her new shopping bag and the fish she had just bought from a nearby fish and chip shop

Beth Gallagher

Beth Gallagher, the woman's daughter, said her mother remained in great pain eight days after the attack.

She said: "She seems to be getting worse every day, the pain is not easing at all and we are all very worried about her.

"She's had to sleep sitting up in a chair since this happened, as it causes her too much pain to lie down.

"She has very poor eyesight and can only really see shadows, but for all that she was the type of person who liked to get out and about.

"This has really knocked her confidence and she's absolutely devastated.

"We don't want anyone else to go through the agony we have and just want the scum who did this to be caught.

"She was carrying her money in her pocket and all this person got was her new shopping bag and the fish she had just bought from a nearby fish and chip shop.

"All this damage was caused for absolutely nothing."

Detective Inspector Dianne Winship said: "This was a particularly horrendous offence where an old lady suffered quite severe injuries.

"We want to reassure people that this kind of offence is very rare."