POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a disabled 82-year-old woman was attacked and robbed.

The woman, who is disabled following a hit and run accident last year, was walking down Sycamore Avenue in Uxbridge on Monday, July 1, at about 5.15pm, when she was attacked.

A man grabbed her from behind as she was walking along the road, pushing her to the ground.

He grabbed her handbag before running off down Sycamore Avenue, towards Barrahall Circus, Hayes.

The lady had just collected her pension from a Post Office in Barrahall Circus, and police do not know whether the attacker had seen her do this.

The pensioner was extremely shaken by the attack, and was left with some minor injuries and brusing.

PC Richard Williamson, leading the investigation, said: "This is a despicable attack on a vulnerable member of the community.

"This lady has been extremely brave and although she was very shaken by her ordeal she is determined not to let this man's cowardly actions affect her independence.

"I would appeal to anyone who can help identify this individual to come forward and help us prevent him committing this type of attack again."

The attacker is described as a white man, about 18 years old, 5ft 6ins tall and of medium build. He has collar length dark brown hair and was wearing a multi-coloured top and dark jeans.

Anyone who has any information about this attack is asked to contact Uxbridge CID on 020 8246 1447 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

July 11, 2002 11:00