(Jan. 19) - An 81-year-old mugging victim who had been mugged on the street died of her injuries after passers-by ignored her pleas for help, thinking she was drunk, British newspapers reported Monday.
Molly Morgan, of Harrow, England, was on her way to a library lecture when she was attacked from behind, according to the reports. She suffered serious head injures, a broken left arm and multiple fractures to the left side of her face after being dragged to the ground, the Daily Mail said.
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Morgan cried out for help but was left on the pavement for 10 minutes as people walked by before someone finally called emergency services, police said.
"When Mrs. Morgan was attacked she fell to the ground, and we believe she was on the pavement for about 10 minutes before anyone came to her aid,” the Telegraph quoted Detective Chief Inspector Jessica Wadsworth as saying.
Wadsworth said Morgan told authorities that one man "walked right past her and didn’t stop, even when she asked for help."
"It is our belief that this man, and other people in the area who didn't assist the victim, may tragically not have realized that Mrs. Morgan had been attacked and was in considerable pain," Wadsworth said.
"We know from some witnesses that they had assumed she was merely a drunk on the street," the police inspector added.
Morgan was taken to a hospital, where she died the day after her attack. The cause of death was head injuries, officials said.
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Seattle Police Department / AP
Seattle Police Department / AP
Police said Morgan’s bag, which was stolen during the mugging, contained only an electrical extension cord and an umbrella.
Police were looking for the man who disregarded her call for help and anyone else who may have seen the fatally injured woman, "since they are vital witnesses and will be able to help me find who killed her," Wadsworth said.
Morgan’s daughter, Hilary, pleaded with any potential witnesses to come forward.
“My mum was so active and full of life,” Hilary Morgan said, according to The Mirror. "I still can’t believe she had been taken away from me. I am her only daughter and we were close."
