KIND-HEARTED Burnley residents have raised over £200 for an 83-year-old who was mugged on her own doorstep.

The woman was targeted as she returned to her home off Woodbine Road.

Police said a man knocked on her back door and forced his way in, pushing the woman over, causing her to cut her arms and legs.

A cream patchwork handbag containing a wallet and a purse with £200 in were stolen in the incident, which happened at around 12.40pm on Wednesday.

DS Mick Cross, from Burnley CID, said: “This is a despicable crime committed against an elderly and vulnerable lady in her own home.

“Understandably the woman has been left traumatised by the incident and it is only by luck that she has not been more seriously injured.

“We believe the mugger has jumped over her back fence to get to her back door before fleeing down the back alley.”

A collection for the victim was started by members of the Burnley Past and Present Facebook group, who has raised around £225 by yesterday (Thursday) afternoon.

Coun Karen Heseltine said: “It is good to see the community getting together and supporting each other.

“It is unbelievable that this has happened though. What kind of person mugs an 83-year-old woman? It is appalling and casts a dark light on the area as well. We have had a couple of similar incidents in the past few years and it is frightening that people will stoop to these levels.”

“But at least there are still people out there who are willing to help and who want to help.”

Two people had been arrested but have been released without charge.

The mugger is believed to be white, medium build, around 18 years old with short fair hair. He was wearing a dark jacket and spoke with a local accent.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.