About 4pm, a 79-year-old woman was walking through a car park at a shopping centre on White Street, when she passed a group of four men.

A short time later, one of the men approached her from behind and attempted to take her handbag and shopping bags.

Police have been told the woman attempted to hold on to her possessions, before the man pushed her to the ground and ran from the scene with her handbag.

Witnesses called emergency services and the woman was taken to Tamworth Base Hospital where she remains with a broken shoulder and cheekbone, as well as head injuries.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact them, including a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, with dark brown hair and a small ponytail. He was seen wearing a white t-shirt with green and blue stripes and a cap.