A 75-YEAR-OLD pensioner was left with a dislocated shoulder after being mugged by a 10-year-old boy, police revealed today.

The elderly woman was attacked by the boy as he tried to steal her handbag.

But the woman managed to keep hold of it even though she was pushed to the ground during the attack at King's Road, Sedgley Park, Prestwich, on Tuesday afternoon.

She was taken to North Manchester General Hospital for treatment to her injuries which included a bloody nose.

Detective Sergeant Duncan Heywood of Bury's Operational Police Unit, who described the incident as "numbing", said he had never dealt with an attack involving someone so young.

He added: "This is a shocking attack on a lady who has little chance of defending herself against a boy who is probably the apple of his parents' eye. All the officers working on this case are disgusted by the brutality of this incident and everyone is very keen to catch this thug."

The boy is described as 10 years old, with short fair hair, and was wearing a yellow colour anorak with a blue patch on the back.

Detectives have already spoken a member of the public who saw the attack. Any witnesses or anyone who knows the identity of the boy should contact Whitefield CID on 0161 856 8248.

He praises the victim's bravery as she fought back against the boy to keep hold of her handbag.

"She is a very determined lady who was not prepared to let this boy steal her property. Sadly, she suffered injuries in trying to protect herself."

The boy is described as 10 years old, with short fair hair, and was wearing a yellow colour anorak with a blue patch on the back.

Detectives have already spoken a member of the public who saw the attack. Anyone else who witnessed the struggle or who knows the identity of the boy should contact Whitefield CID on 0161 856 8248.