A GRANDMOTHER lies battered and bruised in hospital - the victim of a thief who robbed her on the doorstep of her home.

Edna Brown, aged 77, had her pension money stolen after she returned to her home in Heaton from a shopping trip.

But today, despite suffering a broken arm and severe bruising to her face and hip, the spirited grandmother of six warned: "If I get my hands on the man who robbed me, I'll give him a good hiding."

Detectives believe Mrs Brown was one of two pensioners attacked by the same man within the space of five minutes. They have warned elderly and frail homeowners throughout Bolton to be on their guard fearing that the thief may attack again. Police chiefs have condemned the attack on Mrs Brown, outside her Heaton home, as "cowardly".

The pensioner was putting her key in the front door when the thief attacked her from behind. He grabbed her handbag from off her shoulder before he dragged her down the garden steps.

As she then lay helpless and injured on the ground the thief grabbed her groceries and her purse which contained just £35. He then fled.

A neighbour discovered Mrs Brown in a distressed state on the ground and ran to her aid. Police and paramedics were called to the scene.

Mrs Brown's husband Cyril was inside the house unaware of the attack on his wife outside.

Today the pensioner was detained at the Royal Bolton Hospital where she was in a "stable" condition.

Mrs Brown, who has two sons living in Blackpool, said the attack at 10.20am on Tuesday has left her "angry and disgusted".

Recalling the incident she said: "He came up behind me and I didn't hear a thing. As he pulled the bag, he dragged me down the steps.

"He then ran off, leaving me on the floor. I was so stunned. I couldn't believe it had happened."

She said: "I can't repeat what I think of this man. He was a coward to creep up behind me. If I had been able to turn round, I would have hit him with my walking stick - and he wouldn't have been able to get up.

"I am angry and disgusted that this has happened to me. I am very independent and I am determined this won't change anything.

"I want him caught, thrown in jail and the key thrown away. This didn't happen in my day - it is a sign of the times."

Five minutes after the attack on Mrs Brown the same thief is also believed to have snatched a handbag from a 79-year-old woman in Kirk Hope Walk, Brownlow Fold. He ran off towards the City Pub, in Eskrick Street.

Today the man leading the hunt for the thief, Sgt Martin Bell of the Bolton Police Robbery Unit said: "We need to catch this man before he strikes again."

The robber is described as white, in his mid 20's, 5ft 10ins, of slim build with a pale, gaunt face, with prominent cheekbones and shaven hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bolton Robbery Unit on 0161 856 5609 or Crimestoppers on free phone 0800 555 111.