Family of grandmother, 91, appeal for help in tracing her attacker

by Flora Drury Thursday, September 6, 2012
5:34 PM

The family of a Highgate grandmother who was left with horrendous injuries after she was robbed in broad daylight is asking for the public’s help in finding her attacker.

These pictures show the horrendous injuries Lynne, 91, was left with after she was attacked in a Highgate street.

Keen churchgoer Lynne, 91, was left with severe bruising and a broken right arm after a man stole her purse and pushed her to the ground - causing her to smash her head on a wall and a pavement - as she walked home from the shops at about 1.30pm on Tuesday, August 14.

She had been to the shops in Archway Road and was walking along Church Road when the attack happened near the junction of Talbot Road.

Today, her family issued a statement begging for the public’s help in catching the thief, who left her lying on the ground as he made off with her purse which had just £20, a travelcard and a bank card inside.

They have also released these pictures, to encourage as many people to come forward as possible.

The statement said: “Since Lynne was mugged she has spent two periods in hospital totalling 10 days which included an emergency operation to remove a blood clot from her head.

“Lynne’s family appeal to anyone who has information as to the identity of her attacker to contact police as soon as possible, this man must be caught, his next victim might not be so fortunate.”

Lynne - who lived a “busy independent life in Highgate” before the attack - remains in hospital in a stable condition following surgery.

The statement continued: “Lynne has many friends in Highgate and is known and looked after by the local shop keepers. She was also able to go to Muswell Hill alone by bus and is a member of the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution where she attends talks and is a keen member of her local church.”

Police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to talk to in relation to the robbery. Investigating officer PC Paul Hallas, of Haringey CID, said in an earlier statement : “Whoever did this left an elderly woman on the ground in the street, without a care for her welfare.

“Words can’t express the level of depravity the perpetrator stooped to when he targeted this woman.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact him on 020 8345 0872; if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

+ Two men [A/B] arrested on suspicion of robbery were subsequently released without charge.