A PENSIONER has spoken of her shock and anger after being mugged in a busy street.

June Richards, 71, was pushed up against a wall and had her handbag snatched by two young men as she stood on a corner in the St Dunstan’s area of Canterbury.

The robbery happened shortly before 5pm on Saturday and the offenders ran off down Linden Grove.

Mrs Richards, of Oakdale Road, Sturry, said: "It really took me by surprise because there were quite a few people about at that time of day. The police were helpful but I don’t think they stand much chance of catching them.

"Even if they do, I don’t suppose much will happen to them. The courts are so lenient these days."

Mrs Richards said: "My husband Alan had gone on ahead to Whitehall Road to get the car while I waited in St Dunstan’s. All of a sudden I felt a rushing sensation and was pushed up against a wall. The next thing I knew was that two men were racing away with my handbag.

"I was in a terrible state but a woman stopped to help and took me into Oddbins off-licence, who called the police.

"There was only about £15 in the bag but a lot of personal belongings and family photographs which are irreplaceable. It also had my mobile phone and bank cards which we had to quickly cancel."

She added: "I woke up that night and thought the whole thing had been a nightmare but it won’t stop me going out. I still feel a bit shaken but mostly just angry."

Her daughter Sandra Edmunds said: "When mum called to tell me what had happened, I was furious to think that someone might have hurt her. She looked like a ghost when I saw her."

Mrs Richards’ bag is black leather with beige stitching and she thinks it may have been quickly discarded by the thieves.

"I just hope I can get back some of my personal things," she added.

The muggers are in their late teens or early 20s with blue anoraks.