An OAP mugged by robbers can only remember waking up in hospital after the attack with a bruised arm, hip and a head wound.

Doris Deacon, 84, had enjoyed her daily trip to Tesco and the Excelsior cafe on Oxford's Cowley Road on Sunday and was on the way home when she was attacked.

Police said the mugging was cowardly and sickening. Mrs Deakins shopping bag and purse containing £30 were taken.

She was found unconscious with blood pouring down her face in Manzil Way, off Cowley Road, by a member of the public.

Mrs Deacon's daughter, Christine Buller, 64, said: "We are very thankful that someone stopped to help."

It is not known how long Mrs Deakin had been lying on the pavement before she was found.

Mrs Deacon, a great-great grandmother, said: "I had been shopping. I take my husband, John Donovan, to the Bullingdon pub because he can't go unaided.

"Then I go to Tesco and after that I always go to the the Excelsior cafe.

"I don't go out at night because I'm partly blind and can't see. I was knocked out. I don't remember going in the ambulance and when I came to I was at the John Radcliffe."

Mrs Deacon said she had not been out since the attack.

She said: "I am frightened and my hip hurts when I walk. I won't go along Manzil Way again, it is a wonder I didn't break my hip."

Case investigator Dick Evans said 10 minutes before the attack, a local resident saw three white men, aged 20 to 30, looking in gardens in Nye Bevan Close.

He said: "Whether they are offenders or potential witnesses I don't know. A neighbour saw four or five people looking after Mrs Deacon, but none of these people have come forward yet and we need to speak to them."

Police have appealed for witnesses and a description of what happened has been left at the Asian Cultural Centre in Manzil Way, and is due to be read out at morning prayers at the mosque tomorrow.

Mr Evans said: "This was an 84-year-old going about her own business.

"What happened was cowardly and sickening."

Mr Evans can be contacted on 08458 505505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.