Councillors have condemned the actions of vicious masked robbers who carried out a "cowardly attack" on an elderly woman in her home.
Peter Byatt, Louise Gooch and Malcolm Pitchers expressed shock after a woman in her 80s was knocked to the ground and robbed at her home on Grayson Avenue in Pakefield, Lowestoft.
The robbers stole an orange handbag, with a silver link chain, that contained her purse, cash and keys, after forcing their way into the home.
Speaking on behalf of the three ward councillors, who represent the Kirkley and Pakefield ward on East Suffolk Council, Mr Byatt said: "It was both deeply saddening and concerning to hear about this vicious, cowardly attack and robbery of one of our elderly residents.
"My fellow ward councillors and I extend our best wishes to the lady for a speedy recovery."
Mr Byatt said he had "already taken several calls in the past 24 hours" about the incident.
He added: "I have reassured residents that this was an unfortunate but very rare incident.
"This doesn’t take away the initial shock and fear that these sort of crimes have on a community, and I am sure that the police are determined to bring these vicious people to justice.
"It is a sad indictment of our times that there are criminals who prey on the elderly and vulnerable with no conscience, and I hope that they are caught and dealt with as soon as possible.
"I would urge that anyone who notices anyone acting suspiciously should call the police immediately."
The robbery happened at some point overnight on Friday, March 24 and Saturday morning.
Police were called at 2pm on Saturday afternoon, after the elderly woman was found lying on the ground.
She remains in hospital where "her condition is described as life threatening," according to police.
Witnesses, anyone living in the area with CCTV or doorbell cameras, or any motorists with dashcam footage, who was driving in the vicinity of the B1532 London Road, south Lowestoft, should contact police on 101.
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