A 61-year-old woman was hit over the head with a blunt instrument by a gang of vehicle thieves in a busy supermarket car park.

The shopper had just returned to her car at Morrisons in Union Street, Heckmondwike, when she was attacked. The victim fell to the ground after being hit and the three Asian youths got in the car and drove off.

The woman, from Liver-sedge, who has not been named, was taken to Dews-bury District Hospital after the attack, just before 6pm on Thursday night.

She was detained overnight for treatment to a head wound and discharged on Friday.

She is said to be comfortable and recovering at home.

Detective Sergeant Dave West, of Dewsbury CID, said: "This was a particularly nasty attack on a woman simply going about her daily business. We are keen to trace those involved who struck her about the head with an unknown blunt object."

The car, a blue Peugeot 206, has been recovered after a member of the public spotted it in Station Road, Batley, on Friday morning. It is being forensically examined.

Police are urging anyone who saw the attack or the vehicle being abandoned to contact them on (01924) 431085.