A 75-year-old nun was robbed in a Brixton street on her way to mass at the local prison chapel on Sunday.

The Roman Catholic nun, who was dressed in her habit, was tripped and robbed by a woman while crossing Brixton Hill, towards Jebb Avenue, SW2, about 8.25am on Sunday.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said the nun was aware a young woman was walking behind her and just after she reached the kerb, she was tripped over and fell to the ground.

Her handbag was snatched as she fell.

The bag contained only a pair of spectacles and no cash or valuables.

The nun was left with swelling to her right eye and grazing to both hands and was very shaken, the spokesman said.

She was taken to Kings College Hospital where she was examined as a precaution. She was later discharged and is now recovering at her convent in west London.

The suspect is described as a white woman. She had shoulder-length mousy light-brown hair and was wearing a long dark blue coat.

She made off on foot down Brixton Hill towards Brixton.

The victim regularly assists at the weekly Sunday Mass at Brixton Prison chapel.

Detective Constable Frank Tutty at Brixton CID said: "This was a shocking attack on a vulnerable elderly woman - a nun on her way to assist at Sunday Mass.

"We are relieved that she did not suffer more serious injuries but the incident has still left her shaken.

"Did you see this woman in her blue nun's habit that morning? Did you see or hear anything suspicious? If so do come forward."

The nun's handbag and glasses have not yet been recovered. She was robbed of a small blue plastic clutch bag and her spectacles were in a brown plastic frames.

A 31-year-old woman was arrested on Monday in Brixton Hill in connection with the enquiry. She was later bailed to return on a date to be fixed to Brixton police station pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information should contact DC Tutty at Brixton CID on 020-8649 2037; if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

April 30, 2003 17:30