A GRANDMOTHER was badly beaten by a thug as she sat in her living room armchair.

Doris Sharp, 77, was watching TV when the thug got into her home and confronted her.

The widow, who suffers from arthritis and diabetes, was punched in the face several times before the robber fled with £25 from her handbag.

At her home in Washington, Wearside, Mrs Sharp said: "It was a very frightening experience. He deserves to have his hands chopped off. He must be caught and punished."

The attacker struck as Mrs Sharp, who sometimes uses a walking stick to get around, was sitting alone at home watching TV in the early hours.

Mrs Sharp, who has lived alone for the past 11 years, managed to dial 999. Police arrived and she was taken for treatment at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Detective Inspector Terry McNamara, who is leading the hunt for her attacker, said: "This was a callous attack on a vulnerable, frail woman in her own home - and all for the £25 that was in her handbag."

The incident happened at about 2am on Saturday.

The robber was described as 5ft 6in, with a clean-shaven, round face.

He wore a white, short-sleeved shirt and dark trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01661) 872555.