AN 83-year-old woman was today recovering in hospital after being attacked and robbed on waste ground close to her home.

The pensioner, who has not been named by police, was taken to Airedale General Hospital, Steeton, with serious facial and head injuries after being dragged to the floor at 1.30pm yesterday.

She suffered a fractured nose and a wound to the forehead which required stitches following the robbery on land at the rear of Green End Lane, Earby.

Her family today said they did not want to talk about the attack, which occurred as the woman, who lives in Green End Lane, Earby, returned home from shopping yesterday afternoon.

Her shopping bag containing groceries and a purse was stolen.

The pensioner was taken by ambulance to Airedale General Hospital and was allowed home today, where she was being cared for by her family.

Police were alerted to the attack by paramedics and officers carried out a search of the area, which is close to the victim's home.

Elizabeth Cockshott a pensioner who lives in Green End Road said: "It is absolutely dreadful at that time of day.

"I couldn't believe about it when I heard yesterday. Earby could be a lovely little town, but it's getting worse and worse.

"Quite a few people cut through a ginnel as a short cut instead of walking along the main road and they won't think anything of it.

"That lady's life is going to be changed forever as she will stop and think now before she goes out or does anything."

Graham Brereton, 58, also of Green End Road, said: "Normally it is very quiet and I have heard of no trouble up here at all until this.

"I have only just heard about this it wouldn't stop me from going out, but I am totally gobsmacked. It's terrible."

Insp Stuart Coates said: "Officers responded immediately and searched streets and back yards close to where the attack occurred.

"Sadly this was yet another elderly person who has been robbed on the street."

A 15-year-old girl was due to appear before a youth court at Burnley Magistrates court today charged with robbery.