Two women attacked by a mugger in the street have criticised people for ignoring their pleas for help.

Jacqueline Maddocks and Marg-aret Hey, both 60, were returning from bingo when they were attacked by a youth armed with an iron cosh. He attacked Margaret from behind and tore her handbag from her arm as Jacqueline ran down the road shouting for help.

He ran away with the bag which contained a purse with just £1 in it.

The incident happened at 9pm on Monday as the two women stood chatting at the junction of Queens Road and South Street in Keighley.

Jacqueline says: "The man att-acked us in a busy street right next to a couple of takeaway restaurants, and even though we were screaming for help nobody took any notice.

"The disgusting thing is that we could have been murdered for the sake of a couple of pounds and nobody would have helped us.

"It saddens me to think that no one came to our aid, and I think it is a reflection of how little community spirit there is these days."

Jacqueline ran back to her home in Caister Street and, frightened the man was following her, called on a neighbour who phoned the police.

the women say the lack of street-lighting in the area made it easier for the youth to mug them.

The two friends are not letting the experience affect their lives, though, and intend to continue going to bingo evenings at St Joseph's school. Jacqueline says: "You can't keep letting these people stop you from going out of your own house."

A Keighley police spokesman says: "Both women were uninjured but extremely shocked by this despicable attack."

The mugger is described as of Asian appearance, in his early to mid 20s with a slim face and soft local accent. He was wearing a blue jacket, blue trousers and a black hat. Anyone with information should phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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