Woman, 100, who had her neck broken in Derby street robbery has died

Zofija Kaczan was on way to church when she was targeted in 'absolutely horrific' attack

Zofija Kaczan was robbed near the junction of Empress Road and St Chads Road (Google Street View)

A 100-year-old woman whose neck was broken during a street robbery in Derby has died, police have said.

Zofija Kaczan was walking to church when she knocked over from behind last week by a mugger who stole her handbag.

She suffered multiple injuries and died in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Derbyshire Police said.

“This crime is absolutely horrific,” said detective chief inspector Darren De’ath.

“Mrs Kaczan was a well-loved member of the community and that she was targeted in this way is disgusting.”

A 39-year-old man arrested in connection with the robbery was released under investigation earlier this week.

Ms Kaczan also suffered a fractured cheek and facial bruising after she was targeted in the Normanton area of the city at 8.45am on Monday, 28 May.

She is reported to have been a widower and former factory worker who moved to the UK with her husband following World War II.

Police want to speak to anyone who saw a Seat Leon near the scene of the robbery (Derbyshire Police)

Police said last week that Ms Kaczan was in a stable condition and appeared to be recovering following the robbery.

“She is sitting up and talking which is very positive,” detective inspector Chris Whiteley told the Derby Telegraph.

However, her condition deteriorated and she later died.

Before her death, gave police a description of the thief who she said approached her from behind, knocked to the ground and stole her handbag.

The bag, which is green, made of fake leather and has gold clasps, was later found nearby at the junction of Moore Street and Normanton Road.

“There are people in Derby who know the person responsible for this crime and I would urge them to come forward with any information that can help bring those responsible to justice,” said Mr De’ath.

“We have a number of leads that we are pursuing and a post-mortem will take place to determine a cause of death.”

Police are keen to speak to anyone who saw a beige Seat Leon close to the where the robbery took place, near the junction between Empress Road and St Chads Road. The car was found abandoned in a car park in Jackson Street, Stockbrook, two days after the robbery.

Detectives are also seeking anyone with information of the vehicle or who may have CCTV or dascham footage that shows it with the registration plate SL02 KVZ.