EIGHT weeks after a great-grandmother was badly injured in a street mugging police have made a new appeal for help to catch the thugs who snatched her handbag.

Marie Brooks, aged 80, who suffered a brain haemorrhage three years ago, was attacked in Mornington Road, Heaton.

The partially sighted pensioner was walking her dog Sammy when the muggers struck.

She was discovered by a passer-by lying in agony on the pavement with a broken hip and head injuries. The attack prompted an urgent appeal for witnesses.

Her family joined forces with detectives in a bid to catch the "gutless" thieves who struck just yards from her home on March 7.

Mrs Brooks' daughter-in-law Susan Brooks, aged 44, described her as a "frail but very independent lady."

She said: "They are completely gutless to attack a defenceless lady - heartless cowards who must be caught. Please help us find them."

Today detectives repeated their appeal for information.

They want to speak to a mystery man who stopped his car to help and who may hold vital clues.

They also want to speak to a motorcyclist and four youths in small red car who may have witnessed the attack.

Mrs Brooks' husband died five years ago. She has two grand-daughters and five great-grandsons who live in Cheshire.

Anyone with information about the attack should call Astley Bridge CID on 0161 856 5740 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.