A TINY penisioner's arm was broken as she was dragged to the ground during a brutal street robbery.

Now Margaret Bristow, 81, wants to move from Thamesmead, where she has lived for 15 years, because she no longer feels safe.

The octagenarian, who says she is always active, was waiting at a bus stop in Yarnton Way, at 11.15am last Thursday.

A black youth approached Mrs Bristow from behind and snatched her bag, pulling her to the ground before fleeing.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Gary Wingrove described the robbery as "a mindless act of violence", Now he is backing a call from Mrs Bristow's grandson for CCTV in the area.

Mrs Bristow, who is less than 5ft tall, said: "I am really shaken and I don't feel too good at the moment.

"Usually there are other people at the stop, but there was not another soul around.

She added: "I felt someone nudge me from behind, pulling my bag and trying to run.

"When he pulled me over, I let go of the bag. I went to move, but I couldn't because it hurt so much."

The youth, aged about 20 and wearing dark clothing, ran off towards Maran Way.

He took her bag, containing keys, a credit card and £30 in cash.

Mrs Bristow says she is convinced it was a planned attack because she says there was another youth standing on a raised walkway, whistling to the robber.

She was helped back up by a passing couple, while a man who had been waiting for a bus on the other side of the road phoned for police and an ambulance.

Another passer-by, called Melissa, accompanied Mrs Bristow to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, where her broken arm was set and she was treated for cuts to her leg.

She said: "This is the first nasty thing that has happened to me here.

"The area has changed and I don't feel safe anymore. I can't contemplate getting on a bus now, but that is no way to live.

"I have always prided myself on keeping active and, unless it is raining or icy, I am always out."

Her grandson Kevin Bristow, 33, a London Underground worker from Belvedere, rushed to the hospital after being contacted by police.

He said: "I am absolutely livid. I hope this does not knock her confidence."

Mr Bristow said the police and hospital staff had been outstanding, changing Mrs Bristow's locks and cancelling her credit card.

He also praised the passers-by who came to his grandmother's aid. He said: "It was fantastic to see people putting themselves out."

Mr Bristow and DS Wingrove both called for CCTV cameras in the area.

DS Winsgrove said: "It is a failure of Gallions Housing Association. It should be putting matters in place to safeguard its residents."

He said the robbery had been "a nasty incident" and added: "We will be doing all we can to find who did it.

"We will have to rely on the help of the community because there are not many leads. It was a despicable act."

  • If you can help, call PC Neil Dawes at Bexleyheath CID on 020 8284 9240 or anonymously on the Bexley crime hotline on 020 8284 9234 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.