AN ELDERLY woman who was attacked by would-be muggers is today overwhelmed by kindness after she was presented with a hamper of gifts.The 83-year-old widow cried with joy when she saw the huge display of gifts from Mark Ands Spencer, which was donated by Paul Clement of Ipswich Central, who was moved to help when he heard about her ordeal.

AN ELDERLY woman who was attacked by would-be muggers is today overwhelmed by kindness after she was presented with a hamper of gifts.

The 83-year-old widow cried with joy when she saw the huge display of gifts from Mark Ands Spencer, which was donated by Paul Clement of Ipswich Central, who was moved to help when he heard about her ordeal.

She is still recovering in Ipswich Hospital today as the attack last week left her with a fractured pelvis. It has also made her nervous and ward staff have advised her not to talk much because of breathing problems.

Through tears, she said: “I never knew people cared so much. Thank you so much.

“I am better than I was. I try not to think about what happened.”

The woman, who has spent the last 40 years living in south west Ipswich, is afraid to go back home in case her attackers seek her out.

Last Monday she was enjoying a cup of tea and chat with some friends and decided to take the short walk home at around 5.30pm, using a torch to guide her along the streets. It was as she was walking along Halifax Road that two men crossed over to her side of the road and tried to grab her bag. As one pushed her, she lost her balance and fell to the ground screaming, causing the men to flee towards Montgomery Road empty-handed.

Both men are described as black, in their late teens, around 6ft and of thin build. One was wearing grey clothing and the other man had dark clothing on. Both of them had their hoods up.

If you can help police with their enquiries, call Dc Hannah Martin at Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

A 17-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, was due to answer bail at Ipswich Police Station today.

Have you been a victim of a similar crime? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.

How you can help give the victim a boost:

If you would like to donate any well wishes or gifts to this lady, you can do it through The Evening Star. Write to the Newsdesk, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk - please make it clear on the envelope or e-mail and put in the subject line that the message is for the robbery victim. Or you can send messages to her by text - start your message ESTAR and send it to 84070

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