A DISABLED Southampton woman who is confined to a motorised buggy has told of how her screaming helped to scare off her attacker.

Eileen Bromley was on her way home after finishing her Christmas shopping when she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her back and heard a man from behind her say, "Give me your bag."

Now the 60-year-old, who suffers from severe arthritis, cannot get rid of the nightmares caused by the sickening three-minute long attack.

Mrs Bromley said: "My husband and son are very upset about it. I don't know if I'll ever get over it."

As Mrs Bromley negotiated the underpass leading out on to Commercial Road, near the Red Lion pub, in Totton, a man grabbed hold of her by the neck and began violently shaking her.

The former component worker for AC Delco suffered severe bruising in the attack but managed to keep hold of her handbag thanks to a strap tied around the handlebars of her buggy.

Now medically retired, Mrs Bromley, who's husband Michael is a retired electrician's mate, is also grateful to a boy on a skateboard who she feels may have heard her screaming and helped to scare off the mugger.

Mrs Bromley, from the Harefield area of the city, said: "I'm still very upset and shaken by it. I keep on getting flashbacks.

"I've had to go to the doctor for some tablets to help me sleep at night."

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Daily Echo police have launched an investigation into the incident.

DC Gurjeet Kalirai said: "This was a particularly nasty attack on a vulnerable woman and we are very keen to trace the man responsible. We are also very keen to speak to the boy on a skateboard who may have information vital to this incident."

The man is described as being of Asian origin, in his mid 20s, about 5ft 8in to 6ft and slim. He was wearing a light-blue turban, a long-sleeved blue T-shirt, possible grey trousers and had a black bushy beard.

He had an untidy appearance, smelt strongly of body odour and was possibly wearing a thick gold bracelet on his right wrist.

Anyone with information is urged to contact DC Kalirai at Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545.