An autistic pensioner was attacked by a thief who stole her bag which contained just £11 as she made her way home after a night of dancing at a Maidstone pub.

Lesley Wilson, 69, had been enjoying the music at the Old House at Home in Pudding Lane when she had her handbag snatched from her on Sunday, May 6 at around 11.45pm.

Mrs Wilson was initially tapped on the back before being hit and having her bag stolen.

Police are hunting a mixed race man who is around 5ft 6 with black hair and a short beard.

He was also wearing a black hooded top, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

Kayleigh Parnham, who has a daughter with Mrs Wilson’s son, has been overwhelmed by the support the pubs in Maidstone have shown in the wake of the terrifying ordeal.

She said: “When she was walking home somebody tapped her on her back. They took her bag and hit her. She called him a b****** which is when he came back and punched her and kicked her.

“She only had £11 in it and her house keys, umbrella and cardigan.

“She is autistic. All of the pubs in Maidstone have been amazing and have started a collection for her.”

Despite requiring three butterfly stitches in her forehead Mrs Wilson was keen to return to one of her favourite pubs and went out to dance at the Old House at Home last night.

Miss Parnham added: “When her husband died she started going out on her own and all the pubs look after her.

“She wanted to go out last night so I took her and she was up dancing with the live band.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting YY/15422/18.

Alternatively call Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

To donate to Lesley's fund visit www.tinyurl.com/lesleybag