A FRAIL pensioner aged 89 has been robbed and thrown to the ground in a York street - by a boy aged about ten.

Senior citizens living near the scene of the attack in Walmgate told the Evening Press today they were living in fear of similar treatment.

The pensioner was walking along Walmgate, outside Shannon Place, when the youth came up to her from behind and wrenched a handbag from her arm.

She was pulled to the ground and suffered grazed knees. The bag contained a pair of glasses.

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York police, said the woman was left very shocked and distressed by the incident, which happened at 7pm on Saturday.

The youth was wearing a light- blue hooded jacket.

He said: "This was a disturbing attack on an elderly lady in broad daylight."

Elderly residents living near Walmgate said today they were "sickened" by the attack.

Eileen Bowser, 75, of Navigation Road, said: "I just can't believe it - what is the world coming to when a little boy does something like that?

"The poor old dear was too frail to defend herself. She must be going through hell now.

"I live in fear of being attacked when I go out to the shops or post office, and I'm always on edge when there's someone walking behind me.

"I hang on to my handbag for dear life."

Another pensioner, who was too frightened to be named, said: "These sort of people are getting younger and younger.

"How long will it be before a five-year-old is trying to rob us?"

Sally Hutchinson, manager of the Age Concern shop in Walmgate, said: "This attack is a shocking thing to happen when we're trying so hard to encourage children to understand the needs of older people.

"Thankfully it's not a common occurrence, but it does breed fear into old peoples' minds."

Updated: 15:39 Monday, September 03, 2001