AN 86-year-old woman was left with a suspected broken pelvis after a man tried to snatch her handbag.

The pensioner is also being treated for head injuries following the incident in Cannon Street, in Shirley.

She was walking along the road around 5.10pm yesterday, when a man cycled up behind her and tried to grab her bag.

The bag was tied around the woman's walking frame, causing her to fall when the cyclist pulled on the bag.

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The pensioner cut her head as she hit the pavement and was left dazed and shocked.

Witnesses reported the man circled around nearby looking as though he may try again but when he saw people approaching her he cycled off.

The victim was taken to Southampton General Hospital and where she was also found to have suffered suspected broken pelvis.

The man is described as a white male aged in his 30s, unshaven, wearing a navy blue hoody and purple t-shirt. He was riding a dark blue pedal cycle.

Detective Inspector Gary Towse from Shirley CID said; “This was a despicable crime against a woman who was obviously very vulnerable and the would-be robber saw that and tried to take advantage of the situation."

A 39-year-old man from Southampton has today been arrested in connection with the offence and is currently being questioned by officers.