An 87-year-old woman fighting for her life after being robbed in Camden has been named as Stella Magarshack.

Ms Magarshack was returning from grocery shopping when a man followed her into the Albert Street communal flats where she lives.

After asking who he was there to see, the man snatched the victim’s bag and fled at speed.

The woman, a former art teacher and keen artist, then went upstairs to tell a relative but soon collapsed after the robbery on Tuesday at about 8pm.

She was taken in a critical condition to a north London hospital, where she remains.

No arrest have been made, but the suspect is described as a tall black man.

Det Insp Adam Ghaboos, from Camden CID, said: “This was a nasty robbery which has left an elderly lady fighting for her life. Our thoughts are with the victim and her family and friends during this difficult time.”

He added: “We are determined to find the person responsible and we would urge any witnesses or anyone with information to contact the police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111