THESE are the sickening injuries inflicted on a helpless, lone woman by a mugger.

Victim Mie Starbuck was punished with repeated blows with a metal bar after refusing to relinquish her handbag to a hooded attacker.

The defiant victim, of Shrubbery Road, Gravesend, has now bravely spoken about her terrifying ordeal in the hope others will not fall prey to the same aggressor.

Japanese-born Mie suffered the prolonged beating after walking to a friend’s house just a few yards away.

The 49-year-old, who has lived in England for 16 years, was walking down Bronte View when a voice from behind shouted "stop".

She said: "I did not think I was being followed or anything. I heard someone shout 'stop' I was not sure if he meant me, but I looked back anyway and at that point, noticed he was holding a metal bar."

Mrs Starbuck said the man who appeared youngish and tall had grasped the 30cm long bar in both hands and yelled at her that he wanted her bag.

"I said 'no, you can’t have it' and suddenly, he dashed at me and hit me with the bar on the forehead. I was desperate to keep my bag so I clung on to it, but he just kept hitting me."

Mrs Starbuck, who lives with husband Brian, 68, sat on her bag to try to protect her belongings, but her attacker continued to rain blows. Shocked and drenched in blood, she eventually had to give up the fight and the thug snatched the bag and fled.

Mrs Starbuck crawled to her friend’s house, but in the confusion, knocked on the wrong door. After hammering for several minutes, she realised her mistake and mustered the strength to go to the right door.

She said: "I think my friend was more upset than me when she opened the door and saw me covered in blood."

Mrs Starbuck was treated at Darent Valley Hospital for injuries to her head, a broken cheekbone, a broken wrist and bruising.

DS Simon Wilson, the investigating officer, said: "This was a very nasty attack and has left the victim in a lot of pain. I would urge anyone who saw anything to contact the police."

Anyone with information about the attack at about 6pm on Saturday, December 3, should contact DS Simon Wilson on 01474 565167, quoting reference number 27525, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.