A WINSFORD woman says she is afraid to go out at night after she was mugged by two balaclava-clad men who fractured her wrist in a vicious attack.

The 56-year-old woman, who has asked not to be named, needed hospital treatment and now has her left arm encased in plaster after the robbery in which her handbag was snatched.

She told the Guardian: "They have not just taken my bag, but taken my confidence.

"They never said a word, but just appeared behind me and pulled at the bag. It was so frightening. I'm very wary about leaving the house at night now."

The robbers struck as the woman was walking along an alley off School Road on her way to Wharton Conservative Club at 8.20pm on Saturday, January 6.

They grabbed her handbag which was over her shoulder and, as she held on, she was dragged across the road.

She was with her 61-year-old husband, but he was walking in front to check for pot-holes.

After the attack he gave chase but the two men jumped into a waiting car. As the car sped away one man was still getting in through the window.

The bag contained £30, a gold ring, some Christmas presents and various personal belongings.

The victim, who has lived in her Wharton home for 34 years, said: "My wrist will get better and some things are insured - but other things that belonged to my mother have sentimental value and cannot be replaced."

The car is thought to have been a red Orion or Sierra. Anyone with any information should ring Northwich police on 01606 48000 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.