A 49-year-old woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries following a vicious mugging near her home.

The victim had left her house in Gravesend to visit a friend nearby when a man approached her from behind and demanded she hand over her handbag.

The woman refused and sat on the handbag on the ground. The man then hit her a number of times around the head and body before running off with the bag.

The victim was taken to Darent Valley Hospital at Dartford where she was treated for injuries to her head, a broken cheekbone, a broken wrist and bruising.

Police in North Kent are appealing for information about the robbery which occurred in Gravesend's Bronte View on Saturday December 3, at about 6pm.

Det Sgt Simon Wilson, of North Kent Police, said: "This was a very nasty attack and has left the victim in a lot of pain. I would urge anyone who saw anything to contact the police immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Wilson on 01474 565167 quoting reference number 27525 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – calls to this number are free and you may be eligible for a reward.