BATTLING grannie Isabel Hamer has told how she was dragged to the floor as she fought off a handbag snatcher and said: "I was determined she was not going to get away with it."

Eighty-two-year-old Mrs Hamer was returning home from bingo when she was attacked from behind.

She suffered injuries to her wrist and leg as she was dragged to the floor and was taken to the hospital for treatment to her injuries.

Her attacker ran off towards Briercliffe Road leaving Mrs Hamer on the ground.

She is described as white in her late teens, possibly 17-18. She was wearing a baseball-type cap.

Police have carried out door to door inquiries in the area and are appealing for information from the public to help them track down the attacker. The incident happened at 9.10pm on Monday.

Mrs Hamer, who lives in the Briercliffe Road area of Duke Bar, Burnley, said: "I knew what she was after and I was determined she was not going to get it. I attend Gala bingo in Burnley three times a week.

"A couple who live in Nelson gave me a lift home. I was just putting the key in the door when someone grabbed my arm.

"When I am on my own I always wrap the handbag around my wrist."

She added: "She grabbed it but I would not let go. I may be getting on in years but I am still a fighter and I was not going to let her have my bag.

"She swore at me calling me names but even when she pulled me to the ground I was still determined. I remember thinking at the time 'you will not get my bag'."

Mrs Hamer, a widow, worked for many years at the former Prestige factory and for nine years up until retirement as an auxiliary at Burnley General Hospital. She has two grown up grandchildren.

She said: "I was very upset and just wanted to get back home.

"I spent the night at my son's but I could not sleep I was shaking all night."

Mrs Hamer is now being looked after by her family and friends in the area.

Det Sgt Dave Fleming said they were treating it as a serious incident in which an elderly woman had been attacked going into her own home. There was nothing she could have done to prevent the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Burnley detectives on 01282 472144 or tell Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.