A 92-YEAR-OLD woman suffered a fractured leg after she was pushed to the ground by a mugger on a bicycle.

The pensioner, who wishes only to be known as Edith, believes she was tailed by her attacker after collecting her pension from the post office.

Cleveland Police are investigating four similar incidents.

Edith, who was attacked in Eastbourne Gardens, Ormesby, Teesside, on Friday afternoon is recovering in James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, after an operation.

From her hospital bed, she said: "I think people like this are scum. I just hope they catch him and bring back the capital punishment, that will teach him a lesson.

"The pain has been terrible. The doctors have told me I'm doing okay and they've started giving me physiotherapy."

On February 26, in Eversley Walk, North Ormesby, a 62-year-old man was pushed over by a man on a bike who stole his shopping bags. He was found unconscious with facial injuries.

The second incident was in nearby Eske Street, when a 56-year-old woman had her bag snatched. Police are investigating incidents on Monday and yesterday - when a woman in her 70s in North Ormesby was targeted.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Heather Close at Middlesbrough CID on (01642) 302126.