THE funeral of 91-year-old Nelly Cutress, who died after being mugged on her way to a pensioners' club, was being held today (Wednesday).

The service, at Falconwood Cemetery, was due to take place as police renew their appeal for help to catch the teenage robber who attacked Mrs Cutress on the Ferrier estate, in Kidbrooke.

She was thrown on the ground near the club, in Tudway Road, and had her shopping bag snatched from under her.

Mrs Cutress suffered serious bruising down one side.

The ordeal meant she was not able to return to the independent life she enjoyed, and was forced to give up her flat for sheltered care.

Police are still treating the attack as robbery after the cause of death was established as thrombosis.

It is understood a blood clot, caused by weeks of reduced mobility following the mugging, led to her death.

The robbery happened just before 1.30pm on February 7, not far from her home on the estate.

Mrs Cutress died on March 7.

Police are hunting a youth aged about 18, 5ft 7ins tall and of possible mixed race.

At the time of the attack, he was wearing a dark bomber jacket, scruffy tracksuit trousers and a light coloured cap with a long dark peak.

The Plumstead robbery squad can be contacted on 020 8855 1212.