A pensioner was taken to hospital after being mugged in a Mid Sussex alleyway by a boy believed to be just eight years old.

The woman, whose name and age have not been released, was robbed last night.

Her handbag was snatched when the boy grabbed her from behind in an alley at Pound Hill, Crawley.

The youth, whose age has been described as between eight and 11, made off with a black leather bag containing the woman's cash card, cheque book and purse.

Police have not released any more details about the incident but they said the woman's left wrist and hand were injured in the attack, which happened in an alley between Worth Road and Clive Way at 6.15pm.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said the woman was very upset and was taken to Crawley Hospital for a check up. She returned to her Crawley home later that night.

The boy, who ran off towards Clive Way, was 4ft 10in tall with athletic build. He wore a blue anorak over a hooded top, with the hood was pulled over his head, and dark trousers.

Crawley borough councillor Henry Smith said today: "It is shocking someone so young could have committed such a violent crime against an elderly person.

"But this represents the very real fear of crime which people have. Crime seems to be on the increase and we need to ensure we have more police on the streets to ensure this sort of attack is prevented."