AN elderly woman has spoken of her terror after an attempted mugging on New Year's Eve.
Annette O'Halloran was dragged to the floor as a man grabbed her shopping bag and tried to wrench it free.
The incident happened on New Year's Eve as the 72-year-old was walking in Church Street towards Bailey Street, Basford, at about 4.35pm.
The grandmother of ten and mother of four was targeted as she crossed the railway bridge on Church Street.
The man grabbed her handbag from behind. She fell to the floor in the struggle, suffering minor injuries. She screamed for help and the man fled.
Mrs O'Halloran, of Basford, said: "At the time it was horrible, but it is scary now. The thought of going over that bridge terrifies me. But I've got to, to get to the doctor's, so I will have to walk around the ring road now.
"He didn't get the bag, I hung on to it. I didn't have any time to stumble, I went straight on to my face. It hurt. I wasn't really aware until I was hitting the ground and there was nothing I could do about it.
"I started screaming because it was such a bang and a thump. I let out a sort of roar when I hit my mouth on the ground.
"My nose had a bang and is still a bit strange looking, I've just got to live with the bruising now."
The offender ran off empty-handed towards Valley Road. He was tall and was wearing dark clothing.
Mrs O'Halloran was on her way to the Churchfield's surgery to get a prescription before going to stay with her son to welcome the New Year.
She said: "I was only about 50 yards away from the doctor's when it happened."
The pensioner managed to get up and walk to the doctor's surgery where she was checked out and the police were called.
Mrs O'Halloran said: "I was going there anyway and I couldn't think of anywhere else to go.
"It was comforting, it was something to hold onto in case he turned back – that was frightening me."
She is determined to get on with life despite her shock.
She said: "It threatened to knock my confidence but I made myself go out, so I don't start developing a fear."
Mrs O'Halloran was checked at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre the next day and left with no treatment necessary.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Anyone with information should contact PC Asif Majid on 101 ext 803 4339 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you have been the victim of crime and have a story to tell, e-mail newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk.
