HIS frail mother was dragged under the wheels of a car – and now a Suffolk man is determined justice is done.The 49-year-old man from Woodbridge, who does not wish to be named because he wants to protect his mother's identity, urges any witnesses to come forward.

HIS frail mother was dragged under the wheels of a car – and now a Suffolk man is determined justice is done.

The 49-year-old man from Woodbridge, who does not wish to be named because he wants to protect his mother's identity, urges any witnesses to come forward.

His 82-year-old mother, who lives in Norfolk, was yesterday dragged under the wheels of a car after its driver snatched her handbag.

The handbag only contained an umbrella and a pair of slippers.

But the pensioner suffered a broken arm and cuts to her face

Her son said: "I don't understand what sort of person would prey on an 82-year-old lady like that.

"If I could find him I would like to tie him to the back of a car and drag him around the streets and see how he likes it.

"She's pretty battered but her spirit is still there. She is tough.

"With her arm being broken it's done a lot of damage to her nerves and she has lost the use of her left hand. We will just have to wait and see if that sorts itself out."

The attack happened as the pensioner was walking along a Norfolk street in Old Catton.

The mugger had pulled over to ask the widowed grandmother-of-one for directions on Spixworth Road at the junction with Colkett Drive, Old Catton.

He then reached out and grabbed her bag, pulling her beneath the small, dark-coloured car as he sped-off in the direction of Chartwell Road.

The woman is expected to remain in the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for the next couple of days.

The offender is described as a white male, clean-shaven, in his early to mid 20s and with brown hair.

Det Con Gary Dack, of Norwich CID, said: "This was a loathsome attack on an elderly lady, which could have had very serious consequences. I would urge anyone with information to contact the police.

"We also want to appeal to members of the criminal community as well, because of the nature of the attack and how badly hurt she was. He handbag only contained an umbrella and a pair of slippers, which makes this even worse in my view."

Edith Pocock, secretary of the Norfolk and Norwich Pensioners' Association, said the fear of becoming a victim of crime had reduced many elderly folk to prisoners in their own home.

Earlier this year the Evening News reported how another grandmother was left with a broken arm after being mugged for just a few pounds of groceries as she walked through Cathedral Close.

Mrs Pocock said: "Whatever is happening to society when it comes to this? I'm absolutely disgusted.

"It's got to the stage so elderly people don't go out after dark. There are thousands of old folk who go indoors at 4pm and are locked in until 9am the next day."

Information should be directed to Det Con Dack via (01953) 424242 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.