A woman of 83 suffered a fracture to her face as a thief snatched her shopping bag.
The victim was walking along Islingword Road, Brighton, when a man in his 20s grabbed the bag containing a purse, £70 and building society books.
It is not clear how the woman suffered her injuries.
The theft took place outside number 51 Islingword Road between 10.20am and 10.30am yesterday.
Police have condemned the offender, who wore a blue and white cap, a blue and white top and black jogging bottoms.
PC Sarah Somner said: "This was a cowardly attack on a vulnerable person and we are extremely keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident."
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