A BIG Issue seller cannot understand why the mentally ill woman who attacked her recently has not been prosecuted.

The vendor Lorraine, who does not wish her surname to be disclosed, was assaulted on her pitch outside Debenhams in Bourne-mouth.

A woman shouted "Don't even bother asking me for the Issue" then used a bunch of keys to set on her.

The woman is now detained in a mental health hospital and staff do not know when she will be fit to be interviewed.

And police do not think they could convince a court she knew what she was doing.

Lorraine, 36, who suffered a fractured finger, torn back muscle, and scratched face, said: "I was a nervous wreck afterwards.

"I understand people have problems but I don't think they should be able to just get away with it.

"I just don't want to see it happen to anyone else.

"What if it had been a little old lady that was attacked?

"Or what if she has a knife next time?"

Insp Neil McBain, head of town centre policing, said: "An investigation was carried out and we had every intention of interviewing the suspect.

"However, as she has been detained in a local hospital for the safety of herself and others, we were not able to interview her.

"If Lorraine wishes to explain her concerns to us we will do our best to help."