Mugger targets nun in full habit

Sister Lorna, 72, was a short walk from her convent when a hooded man ran up behind her and snatched her handbag as she walked through a park.

But the thief escaped with just an umbrella, a bus timetable and a bottle of water because she had hidden her purse, which only contained £12 for the church collection, in her habit.

Sister Lorna, of St Mary's Convent in Wantage, Oxfordshire, said the hooded mugger crept up from behind and grabbed her handbag, causing her to stumble, before running off.

She said: "I was aware someone was behind me so I tried to take a cut through to some houses. But he crept up on me and grabbed my handbag. I was shocked. I am 72 year old and I can't walk very fast any more. I was frightened he might come back. I've been here 40 years and cannot remember anything like this happening to a nun."

She said she did not blame the mugger for what he had done, saying: "I just feel sorry for him and wish this chap no ill-feeling."

Sister Lorna was not hurt in the incident on January 28 but said she would avoid wooded areas and keep to main roads.

Canon John Salter, vicar of Wantage, said: "A nun is an easy target and it's appalling anybody should attack a nun in this way."

PC Mark Haynes of Thames Valley Police said: "This crime has understandably left the victim shocked and upset. The handbag didn't contain anything of any value and it is sickening that a Sister of Mercy was targeted in this way."

The robber is described as white, aged 20-30, about 5ft 8in tall and clean shaven. He wore dirty white trainers and a grey or beige hooded fleece.