A DISABLED woman told today how she has been left unable to walk after being mugged in a Nelson street.

Naz Mirza, 38, who had part of her right leg amputated after being assaulted 17 years ago when she refused an arranged marriage, is unable to wear her artificial limb because of bruising caused by the attack.

She has been confined to her Cliffe Street home since the incident, which happened on Monday at 7.40pm and said today she had lost all confidence and was afraid to go out. She also believes the teenage thug who assaulted her is targeting disabled people. On the evening of the attack Naz was dropped off in Rupert Street by her daughter, Razina, 18, intending to visit a friend's home.

She was approached by a teenager asking for 20p and said she had no money to give him.

He suddenly grabbed her by the neck, where she had a mobile phone attached to a cord, and she fell to the floor.

The robber fled, leaving her screaming and unable to get up from the pavement.

She was later treated in hospital and told she would be unable to use her false limb until bruising and tissue damage had healed.

Naz said today: "I feel like the world is getting more and more cruel. I have lost all confidence and don't want to go out at all.

"I was just frightened and screaming for help and I couldn't get up because of my leg.

"I wouldn't ever carry a mobile phone again because I could have lost my life, all for the sake of a £60 phone.

"I don't care about the property, it's the beating that has shaken me up so much. I felt terrible.

"I just want to warn people that this boy is out there. I thought he was a nice boy when he asked me for money but then he did this.

"I want him to be caught and sent to prison to stop this happening to anyone else.

"I lost my leg after being attacked because I refused an arranged marriage and I struggle enough to cope with being disabled without this happening."

Detective Sergeant Steve Pemberton, of Nelson CID, said: "The offender in this instance would appear to have targeted a lone female who they obviously see as an easy target.

"We are treating the incident very seriously and would be very grateful for any support from the local community in tracing the offender."

The robber has been described as an Asian male, aged about 16 and 5ft 7ins tall. He wore a beige hat with the letters NY on the front, a blue jacket and light-coloured trousers.

Anyone with information should call police on 01282 472645 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.