A 100-year-old woman who suffered a broken neck when she was robbed of her handbag has died.

Zofija Kaczan told officers she was targeted from behind and knocked to the ground in Normanton, Derby, at 8.30am on 28 May.

She also suffered bruising to her face and her green handbag was found around half a mile away later the same day with one handle ripped off.

Derbyshire police released a 39-year-old man under investigation on Tuesday in relation to the attack near St Chads Road and Empress Road.

Detective chief inspector Darren De'ath said: "This crime is absolutely horrific.


"Mrs Kaczan was a well-loved member of the community and (the fact) she was targeted in this way is disgusting.

Image: Officers want to speak to anyone who saw this Seat Leon on the day of the robbery

"There are people in Derby who know the person responsible for this crime and I would urge them to come forward with any information that can help bring those responsible to justice."

He added: "We have a number of leads that we are pursuing and a post-mortem will take place to determine a cause of death."

Mrs Kaczan was unable to provide officers with a description of the suspect, and the force is asking for anyone with information to come forward.

Image: The handbag stolen during the robbery

Officers particularly want to speak to people who might have seen a beige Seat Leon with the number plate SL02 KVZ near to where the mugging took place.

The car was found abandoned in a car park in Jackson Street, Stockbrook, two days after the robbery.

Image: This beige Seat Leon was found abandoned two days after the mugging

Detective sergeant Laura Kershaw said shortly after the attack: "We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen anyone with a bag matching the one pictured in any suspicious circumstances.

"In particular if you have CCTV or dash cam footage that may have picked up footage of the offence or of the offenders carrying the bag in the nearby area."

Anyone with information can call police on 101 giving the reference 18000243815 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.