The cenetarian was on her way to church when the incident happened

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The elderly victim, Sophia Kaczan, was approached from behind and knocked over when the attackers snatched her handbag.

A 39-year-old man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of robbery after the woman was left with a broken neck after the incident.

The widow was on her way to a Polish church when she was attacked in Normanton, Derby.

Neighbour Stacia Fitzsimmons said: “Whoever has done this is absolutely vile. Sophie walked that route to church every day so it is possible she has been watched. I’m really, really upset by this. Sophie is like part of our family.”

After the incident happened on May 28, staff at Ron Brooks Toyota decided to start raising funds for the woman.