A PARTIALLY-DEAF pensioner suffered shocking injuries when she was attacked in the street by muggers.

As reported in yesterday's Northern Echo, Margaret Kent, 61 - who cares for her blind son - was left with a broken cheekbone and nose after the vicious assault near her home in Middlesbrough.

Yesterday, widow Mrs Kent told of her terror as the attacker struck, snatching her handbag which contained her hearing aid and a small amount of cash.

"This lad grabbed hold of me as I was going to the post office," she said. "He gave me a thump and he kept dragging my bag. Then he got it, gave me another punch and I went down to the floor."

The plucky mum-of-two tried to chase the youth, but to no avail. She was later treated for her injuries at Middlesbrough General Hospital.

A member of Mrs Kent's family, who was comforting her at her home , described the attacker as "scum".

The man, who did not want to be named, said: "It's scandalous to think you cannot go out of your own home.

"She spends her life looking after her 38-year-old blind son and then this happens to her.

"Only scum would do this and I would hope that anyone who knows anything about it will get in touch with the police."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack, which occurred in Outram Street at 8.30am on Tuesday, to contact them on (01642) 303126.