Murder hunt after woman dies in street robbery

Detectives launched a murder inquiry today after an elderly woman suffered fatal injuries in a street robbery.

Police said the 81-year-old woman was targeted in Streatfield Road, Harrow, north west London.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said a suspect grabbed her handbag as she walked alone at about 8pm last night.

Officers are investigating whether she was attacked during the robbery or whether she fell and suffered fatal injuries.

The spokesman said the woman suffered serious injuries and died in hospital eight hours later. No-one has been arrested.

He said: "A suspect had grabbed a bag from the woman who sustained injuries during the incident.

"She was taken to Northwick Park Hospital where her condition worsened and she was pronounced dead at 3.55am today.

"We await formal identification, next of kin have been informed. A post mortem will be scheduled in due course."

The murder inquiry is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Jessica Wadsworth of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information should call 0208 358 0300 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.