A partially blind 92-year-old woman was duped on her doorstep by a gang of thieves who stole her holiday money.
Robbed - partially blind Florence Brooks recovers at home after the theft Picture: ROB BROWNE
Five boys, aged between ten and 15, meet Florence Brooks as she arrived home in Pine Close, Wickford.
The young gang, one of whom had an iron bar, insisted on helping the her get her shopping trolley inside.
At first she refused, but eventually gave in and let them "help".
A neighbour, peering from a nearby window, spotted one of the boys reach into the trolley and take her handbag.
When inside her home Mrs Brooks discovered her bag had gone, along with a cash card and £100 she was saving towards a summer holiday.
Daughter Lynette Hasler, of Kings Park, Canvey, has no doubt the gang would have used their weapon if her mum had not given in to their demands.
Mrs Hasler, 60, said: "She is shaken up and finding it all a bit hard to take in."
If you have any information about this incident, at 10.15pm on Monday, call Basildon police on 01268 532212.
Published Thursday July 22, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article