Muggers fled empty handed after attacking an 87-year-old woman, leaving her in need of surgery for a dislocated elbow.

The pensioner was returning home from a shopping trip in Croydon, at 1.55pm last Wednesday, June 5, when she was assaulted in Bingham Road at the junction of Ashling Road, Addiscombe.

The pensioner also needed treatment to a gash caused when she hit her head on the pavement, having been punched between the shoulder blades.

Doctors at Mayday initially feared the angina sufferer would not be able to pull through the operation, but as the Guardian went to press, she was said to be making a good recovery.

Her attackers, described as around 19 years old, one black and one white, ran off when the injured woman fell on her handbag.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Bruce Maguire said: "It's a very callous crime. There's been no thought gone to the suffering of the victim. The elderly woman was attacked in broad daylight near her home. She's not going to want to go out shopping again."

Witnesses have been asked to call DC Bruce Maguire on 020 8649 1217.

Police have arrested a white man and are seeking a black man to help with their enquiries.