A 92-year-old woman was seriously ill in hospital today after being viciously mugged for £2 in cash, a few groceries and a copy of The Argus.

Frail Mildred Kershaw now faces potentially life-threatening surgery after her attacker flung her to the ground, breaking her hip and wrist.

Mildred, known by friends as Millie, had just been to local shops near her Brighton home when the mugger grabbed her bag, hurled her aside and fled.

Three passers-by gave her first aid until an ambulance arrived.

Mildred was expected to undergo surgery today at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton. Members of her family were with her.

The robbery happened yesterday at 4pm in Hamilton Road, which leads from Exeter Street to Old Shoreham Road, near Seven Dials. Mildred had just popped out to buy her copy of The Argus, a few potatoes, grapes and a bottle of wine.

A major police hunt, Operation Watcher, was launched and police issued an urgent appeal for witnesses.

Detective Sergeant Claire Shiel, who spoke to Mildred in hospital, said: "She is such a lovely lady and she chatted to officers, asking us about our lives. I left her bedside with a lump in my throat.

"She was cross with herself for going out alone."

Mildred, described as alert but frail, has to hold on to walls as she walks along streets but manages to get out every day.

She celebrated her birthday last Friday at the Prestonville Arms in Hamilton Road with relatives and friends.

Pub manager Andrew White said: "This was dreadful and I hope they catch the big, brave bloke who did this.

"Millie is a very nice old lady and quite sprightly for her age. She comes in here now and again and has a half of Guinness.

"Millie has lived in this area for years. She gave us an old photograph of VE Day celebrations in her street to put up in the pub.

"This is a terrible shame and I hope they bring the culprit to justice."

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Martin Underhill, who is heading the inquiry, said police were trying to trace anyone who saw the robbery.

He added: "We have not interviewed a single person who witnessed it yet and I can't believe no one was around at that time of day.

"There must have been motorists, cyclists or pedestrians nearby.

"Someone must have seen something and I would urge them to come forward.

"This was a despicable robbery on a vulnerable old lady. No one deserves to be accosted like this but especially a woman of her age."

Officers were carrying out house-to-house inquiries and an incident room has been set up at Brighton police station.

Anyone with information should call the Operation Watcher team on 0845 6070999.