A disabled pensioner from Lowestoft has spoken of her distress after a callous thief stole her handbag as she lay on the ground following a fall.

Eastern Daily Press: Audrey Williams has spoken out about her ordeal. Pictures: Nick Butcher.Audrey Williams has spoken out about her ordeal. Pictures: Nick Butcher. (Image: ©archant2016)

Audrey Williams, 69, was targeted after she fell while walking to catch a bus from Great Yarmouth to her home in Lowestoft.

The pensioner, who has suffered with epilepsy since she was a child and struggles to walk, said the experience had made her feel 'rotten' and 'terrible'.

She described how her 'legs just gave way' while on a solo shopping trip – causing her to fall over near the Poundland store, opposite McDonald's, in Regent Road.

'It made me feel rotten – how could she do that to a disabled person?' Ms Williams said.

'It is disgusting and I don't know if I will go to Yarmouth again.

'It really shook me up and my hands have been shaking for a while.'

Officers are currently appealing for witnesses to come forward, as they try to identify a woman – believed to be responsible for stealing the handbag – at about 3.30pm on Saturday, April 16.

Ms Williams, who lives at a care home in Lowestoft, was initially helped by a group of people, and then checked over by paramedics. Fortunately for her, she had only suffered bruising to her legs.

It then dawned on Ms Williams that her black leather handbag had been taken, while she was lying stricken on the ground. The bag had personal items– including her purse, cash and medication – inside.

'I felt terrible and I panicked – I didn't know how I was going to get home as the bag had my bus pass in,' she explained.

'My legs just gave way and I fell down. Some people helped me up and they said they saw the woman come behind me and take my bag.'

Gill Murrell, care manager, added: 'I think is incredibly sad to have that level of poor spirit; it is just dreadful.

'My concern is for Audrey, that she picks herself up, dusts herself off and trusts that most people out there are good people.'

Ms Williams managed to tell police officers where she lived – as her identity card and address of the care home was also in her handbag.

She also had some vital medication in her handbag, including her epilepsy tablets.

Ms Williams spent the majority of her life in London, working in a bakery and laundry, before later moving to Halesworth.

She has since spent four years in the care home – after struggling to cope with life on her own.

Anyone with information should contact PC Gary Brown at Great Yarmouth Police Station on 101.