POLICE were today still desperately seeking witnesses after a 92-year-old woman was found seriously injured in a Leigh street.

Spinster Helen Bootle is in a critical condition at the Royal Preston Hospital with serious head injuries, a broken leg and a broken arm.

As reported in last night's BEN, Miss Bootle, who was found near the post office on Bond Street at about 11.20am on Thursday, may have been the victim of a mugging.

She had just been to the post office to collect her pension but did not have her handbag with her when she was found.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Whiting said the incident was being treated as suspicious and today made a fresh appeal for witnesses. He said: "We have no witnesses yet to her collapse and are desperately seeking to find out how she came by her injuries."

Police are anxious to trace Miss Bootle's nylon shopping bag which is charcoal grey with two handles and two front pockets which contained a purse with a smaller purse inside.

Anyone who can help police should contact DCI Whiting on 0161 856 7255 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555666.

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