Serial mugger may have killed woman, 82

Police believe a serial mugger may be responsible for a murder.

Scotland Yard has connected four street robberies to another which ended in the death of 82-year-old Joan Craddock.

A reward of £10,000 has been offered for information. Mrs Craddock was attacked last month after collecting her benefits from Wanstead Post Office. She was hurled to the ground by her attacker, a light-skinned 5ft 9in black man, and suffered a broken leg and shoulder.

The mugger took her handbag and walked off - but then returned to steal her bus pass. The mother of three later died at Whipps Cross Hospital.

Officers believe the same man may have robbed a woman of 69 in Woodford Green three days earlier and a 49-year- o ld woman in Wanstead the day after that. The day after the attack on Mrs Craddock, another woman of 82 and a 59-year-old woman were robbed of their handbags in Wanstead.

Anyone with information can call 020 8345 3865.