Disabled Gran Headbutts Teenage Mugger

The 49-year-old, who is just 5ft tall, said she retaliated as the youths tried to steal her bag because she thought it was what her grandchildren would have expected of her.

The mother of six, who has asked not to be named, said her 24 grandchildren would have wanterd her to make sure the criminals did not get their way.

The woman - who was travelling on a mobility scooter - knocked the teenager to the ground and the trio fled empty-handed in Barnstaple, Devon.

She said: "They were not expecting me to fight back.

"I am a very strong person because of what I have gone through in my life. As they attacked me, I heard my grandchildren saying to me in my head 'Nan, get up and fight them'.

"When I headbutted the robber I think I broke his nose, it was that strong.

"Once they saw me attack him his mates scarpered and so did he."

The woman had just collected some fish and chips and was driving home on her scooter when the youths ambushed and tipped over the vehicle.

They started kicking her and one tried to take her bag.

After the attack, she was taken to hospital where she was treated for head and stomach injuries and an existing condition made worse by the attack.

The woman has been left housebound as her scooter was badly damaged in the attempted robbery on March 25.

The youth she headbutted was described as white, aged 18 to 20, 5ft 8in tall with short, spiky dark hair with blonde streaks, and a slim build.

He was wearing a grey hoodie and jogging trousers, and suffered a nose injury in the attack.

His accomplices were about the same age and similarly dressed.