Mugging victim on road to recovery

AN ELDERLY woman who was dragged to the ground in an attempted mugging is today on the road to recovery.

It has been four weeks since the incident in which two men tried to grab her handbag in Halifax Road and pushed her to the ground.

The 83-year-old has been overwhelmed by the cards and gifts from well wishers since the incident and is also grateful to all the staff at Ipswich Hospital who have been looking after her.

The widow has been now moved to Felixstowe Community Hospital for rehabilitation. It is believed she may stay there over Christmas.

An Ipswich Hospital spokeswoman said: “She is well enough to leave the acute ward and go to the Felixstowe Community Hospital for rehabilitation, which is great news.

“The ward staff said she was an absolute joy to nurse. She has a strong network of friends and once they knew what had happened, they have been supporting her.”

The incident happened on November 24 at about 5.30pm when she was walking home after enjoying an afternoon with friends.

She spotted two men who 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.

A 17-year-old, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, has been re-bailed pending further enquiries until January 5. An 18-year-old, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, has been re-bailed pending further enquiries until December 31.

Police would still like to hear from anyone who can help them with their enquiries. Dc Hannah Martin can be reached at Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Do you know someone who is in need this Christmas? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.