A Hampshire MP has launched a scathing attack on the county's law force after a teenager got away with a warning for attacking a pensioner with a tree branch.

The victim, in her 60s, was left cut and bruised after the 13-year-old tried to snatch her handbag.

The youth, who was with two young girls, threatened the woman with the tree branch, then hit her from behind and pushed her to the ground.

Nothing was stolen during the incident, which happened in broad daylight in Marsh Lane, Lymington. Police arrested the three teenagers but the two girls were released without further action and the boy was given a final warning.

New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne said: "I am absolutely appalled. Most of the time we don't catch these criminals. When we catch one, the public has a perfectly legitimate expectation to see them dealt with.

"No wonder the criminal justice system is treated with absolute contempt and criminals go about with impunity. It beggars belief and leaves you spitting. I find it absolutely shocking.

"Clearly there is another side to the story - how is it that a 13-year-old is out with a branch attacking old ladies? That's the disordered society we live in.

"Prison is part of the answer, but we have got to deal with these deep-seated social problems. The people of Lymington have a right to feel safe when they walk the streets."

The incident happened on February 24 at about 1.30pm.

A spokesman for Hampshire police said: "With cases like this we take advice from the Crown Prosecution Service and, in this case, it was deemed that he should not be charged but instead given a final warning.

"The final warning is a formal procedure and it will go on his record. If he is involved in any other criminal activity, this incident will be taken into account.

"A final warning indicates he has had a warning before. His age is also taken into account.

"We have had a few incidents recently, but the New Forest is a low crime area and this is not something that happens everyday. We would advise people to keep bags and purses close to them and avoid going to secluded areas alone, but people do not need to be scared to go out."