A 93-year-old woman was badly injured as she fought back against 'violent and cowardly' muggers as they tried to steal her handbag.

The elderly woman was taken to hospital with multiple injuries to her head, knees, and hands after the attack in Chadderton, Oldham, on Thursday. She has now been discharged and is recovering with her family.

The would-be robbers escaped empty-handed after she managed to keep hold of her bag.

Police have appealed for witnesses and issued CCTV images of two men they want to speak to in connection with the attempted robbery.

Det Sgt Alex Wilkinson said: 'This was a violent, cowardly attack on an elderly woman.

Police have released these CCTV images of two men they want to speak to after a 93-year-old woman was badly injured when two men tried to grab her handbag

'It could have had much graver consequences. It is only due to the remarkable strength of the victim that she has been able to leave hospital and continue her recovery at home.

'We are following numerous lines of enquiry to trace the offenders and I would urge anyone who has information, or recognises the men in these pictures, to contact police immediately.

'The incident occurred at a bus stop served by the number 81 bus and it's possible that users of this bus may have seen the men in these pictures.'

The pensioner, who hasn't been named, was waiting alone at a bus stop on Turf Lane in Chadderton at 11.55am on Thursday.

A GMP spokesman said: 'She was taken to hospital for treatment of her injuries and has since been discharged. The offenders fled empty-handed.'

Since the appeal for information a 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has handed himself in to police.

He has been charged with attempted robbery and will appear at Tameside Youth Court on September 4.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8962, 9063 or 68999, quoting incident number 852 of 16/08/18, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.