Detectives are hunting a mugger who left a 72-year-old woman writhing in agony with a broken wrist and shoulder after he pushed her down a flight of steps.

The victim, who has not been named by police, was walking up a set of concrete steps next to the Albion Court block of flats in Cemetery Road, Heckmondwike, when she was attacked from behind.

As the man tried to rip the bag from the pensioner's grasp, he pushed her backwards down the stairs. In reaching out to try to break her fall, she shattered her right wrist and right shoulder.

The mugger ignored her cries for help and escaped down Cemetery Road with the bag which contained cash and groceries. It was only when a neighbour heard the woman's cries that the alarm was raised. She was today recovering in Dewsbury District Hospital where she is due to undergo surgery.

Detective Constable Mick Coles, of Dewsbury CID, who is investigating the incident which occurred at 3.30pm on Saturday, said: "This was a despicable and cowardly attack on a very frail pensioner. Her injuries are quite serious. She will be hospital for some time and will require at least one operation.

"When the mugger grabbed her bag he pushed her backwards down a flight of three concrete stairs.

"She reached out with her arm to break her fall, but in the process she broke her right wrist and right shoulder. If she had landed differently we could have been dealing with a fatality.

"What reasonable person would want to rob a 72-year-old elderly lady and then callously leave her injured and alone? Even some people within the criminal fraternity look down on these type of muggers.

"The victim described her attacker as Asian, about 16, of stocky build and with short, black hair. He was wearing a blue anorak and white trainers. I would appeal to anyone who may have seen someone who fits this description in that area at the time to contact me."

Anyone with information should call Det Con Coles at Dewsbury Police on (01924) 431151 or (01924) 431059.