Mugging victim's husband also hospitalised

The husband of an 86-year-old woman mugged at a Christchurch shopping mall last week has joined her in hospital.

Patricia Burrows was taken to Christchurch Hospital last Thursday with a fractured pelvis, cuts and bruises after she was mugged in the Barrington Shopping Centre car park about 9pm.

She had been at the supermarket buying milk when a man grabbed her, lifted her off her feet and dumped her on the concrete before taking off with her handbag.

Her husband of 52 years, 91-year-old Buzz Burrows, was admitted to hospital on Saturday after suffering severe stomach pain in the previous week.

He shared a quick visit yesterday with his wife after doctors found he had a kidney stone.

Mr Burrows told The Press he was relieved his wife was not more seriously injured.

"I just wish I had been there, and he wouldn't have assaulted her."

Detective Sergeant Ross Tarawhiti said some of the contents of Mrs Burrows' handbag had been found, but police were still looking for the bag.

"Anyone who can shed light on who this person is should contact the police," he said.

Mrs Burrows said she wanted to thank the people who went to her aid after the assault.

"I would like to be able to meet them sometime and say 'thank you very much', because they were extremely good."

- NZPA