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Mugger's 'despicable' attack on pensioner

A PENSIONER has spoken of the "nasty experience" she encountered when her handbag was stolen by a mugger in Bell Road at Sittingbourne.

Margaret Millican, 75, of The Street, Borden, near Sittingbourne, said it was "despicable" that thieves picked on elderly and vulnerable people. She said: "He must have seen me as an easy touch. I'm sure he will do it again. I think he was an experienced hand."

Mrs Millican was twice knocked to the ground by the thief and suffered a head injury. The attack happened at Bell Road last Wednesday between 8.15pm and 8.50pm. A man and woman, both aged 19, witnessed the theft as they were passing in a car.

Mrs Millican had just left a meeting at Swale House, East Street, where she had been representing Borden Parish Council. She said: "I almost got level with Chilton Avenue and I suddenly felt something dragging at my arms. This chap had grabbed my handbag. He pushed me down. I was in a state of shock."

The force of the snatch separated the bag from the straps, so when the thief initially ran off, he only had the straps in his hand.

Mrs Millican said: "He then realised he hadn't got the bag. He double-backed. He looked very annoyed and aggressive. He pushed me back and I hit my head on the pavement."

The young couple who witnessed the assualt stopped. The woman helped Mrs Millican, while the man chased the thief in his car along Chilton Avenue. He lost sight of the offender as he disappeared down an alleyway. Police searched the area but could not find the mugger.

He was described as white, aged about 17, 6ft tall and of slim build. He was wearing navy blue jogging bottoms, a jacket and a white baseball cap. The leather handbag contained £5, a thick brown diary and an imitation crocodile skin purse.

Any other witnesses, or anyone with information that may help police, are asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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