A VICIOUS robber who left a 90-year-old woman in hospital was still at large today.

Mrs Connie Mitchell suffered head injuries after what police described as "a deplorable attack" in Meltham.

The frail pensioner, a widow, was floored by the robber on Monday morning on Coniston Road.

She was walking along the street when a small blue car pulled alongside her.

The driver of the car reached out of his window and wrenched her handbag from her grasp.

The force of the robber's attack floored the pensioner who hit her head as she fell to the pavement.

The robber then sped off and police believe the car was driven from Coniston Road into Holmfirth Road and was last seen travelling in the direction of Meltham village.

The 90-year-old was rushed to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary where she was admitted.

She remained in hospital today and is being treated for her injuries.

Det Insp Ian Devey, of Huddersfield CID, said: "This is a deplorable attack on an elderly lady who had no chance of avoiding this situation.

"She has been left very shocked and her family and medical staff are currently comforting her.

"This lady has been left very shaken by the callousness of this attack."

Residents in Meltham were shocked by the attack.

One man, who lives in Holmfirth Road, clsoe to the attack, said: "It is terrible.

"I know the lady and often saw her walking slowly along the road."

Mrs Mitchell has lived in Meltham for the past 50 years and is very well known in the village.

The attack comes less than a week after another frightening incident.

Only last Tuesday another elderly woman had her bag stolen in a similar fashion.

The 89-year-old woman, who walks using a stick, was on Park Avenue, Springwood, around 10.15am on Monday when a red car drove nearby.

The car swerved and a man sitting in the passenger seat reached out and grabbed her bag and the car drove off.

Det Insp Devey added: "We are looking into other crimes around the Huddersfield area but at the moment it appears that this latest robbery in Meltham is an isolated incident.

"It is important that anyone who saw this vehicle in Meltham or this incident contacts Huddersfield CID on 01484 436685 or if anyone has any information as to who is responsible they should notify the police."