A Facebook group has been launched calling on people to help catch the person who battered and bloodied an elderly woman.

The 70-year-old was attacked and robbed of her handbag in Lyndhurst Road, Worthing.

Scores of people have joined the group on the social networking website.

One said: “Hitting the elderly is as bad as hitting a child. It is disgusting.

“I hope they get whoever did that to this poor lady. She could be any of our g randmothers.”

Another said: “I really feel sorry for the lady. It angers me.”

One woman wrote: “I just hope and pray that this lady will get the justice that she deserves and gets better soon.”

The victim, who does not want to be named, was found wandering around by passers-by confused and covered in blood after being attacked.

She cannot give any description of the suspect as she was attacked from behind at about 9.30pm on Monday June 20.

Detective Constable Debbie Birch said: “This was an attack on a vulnerable, elderly woman.

“She suffered some nasty injuries and she was so shocked she could not remember much of her ordeal.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen her in Lyndhurst Road or knows who is responsible for this offence to contact us.

“I would like to reassure people this was an isolated incident but we need to catch the person responsible for this.”

Anyone with information should call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.