Man arrested on suspicion of murdering 100-year-old woman who had neck broken in mugging

Zofija Kaczan was attacked for her handbag during a morning walk in Derby

100-year-old robbery victim Zofija Kaczan, who had her neck broken in an attack on 28 May and died two days later (PA)

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 100-year-old woman whose neck was broken in a brutal mugging.

Zofija Kaczan died in hospital on Wednesday after suffering multiple injuries including a fractured cheek during the attack in Normanton, Derby.

Before passing away, she was able to tell police how she was approached from behind, knocked over and had her handbag stolen at around 8.45am on Monday.

A 39-year-old man who was initially detained on suspicion of robbing Mrs Kaczan has been arrested on suspicion of her murder.

He remains in police custody and is being questioned. Derbyshire Police is appealing for anyone with information on the incident to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Darren De’ath previously described the crime as “absolutely horrific”.

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

The Polish-born woman is reported to have been a widower and former factory worker who moved to the UK with her husband following the Second World War.

Mrs Kaczan celebrated her 100th birthday last month with a small party thrown by neighbours, the Derby Telegraph reported, with one friend calling her “the best woman I have ever met”.

Detectives want to hear from anyone who may have seen a beige Seat Leon that was seen close to where the mugging took place. The car was found abandoned on Wednesday in a car park in Jackson Street, Stockbrook.

“We want to hear from anyone who may have information about the driver of the vehicle – or if you have CCTV or dash cam footage that shows the vehicle with registration plate SL02 KVZ,” a spokesperson for Derbyshire Police said.

The murder comes during a spike in violent crime across the UK, with mounting calls for action against a tide of stabbings and muggings.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.