Ms Elizabeth Chew Gaik Im, a Malaysian, was attacked by four men on motorcycles after returning from Sunday mass on Jalan Harimau in Century Garden, which is about 15 minutes' drive away from the Causeway, according to a News Straits Times report.

She was taken to hospital unconscious, underwent an operation, but died at 5pm the same day.

Describing the 8.50am incident, her friend, Michael Towle, 66, said he saw Ms Chew lying motionless on the ground when he turned around. Her head was bleeding and her handbag was missing.

The retired businessman was walking 10 metres ahead of her, when he 'heard the roar of a motorcycle engine but I didn't think anything of it'.

Eye-witnesses told China Press the robbers had struck her head with a hammer, before fleeing with her handbag.

It is believed that Madam Chew was the third victim of the snatch thieves, who had filched two women's handbags earlier that day.

When contacted on Wednesday, Johor Baru South police chief Assistant Commissioner Zainuddin Yaacob told The Straits Times that the attackers had been arrested and are awaiting trial. If found guilty, they face the death sentence, he said.

He added: 'The area is not crime-prone. We have regular patrols there, too.'

Mr Fred Michael, 32, who goes to the same church as Ms Chew, said: 'It's unexpected that someone could be attacked so viciously around this area.'

Ms Chew was known as a patient and giving person, and was very involved in activities organised by the Sacred Heart Church, said Mr Michael, who is in the insurance line.

Dr Catherine Lim, 65, told The Straits Times on Wednesday that her family is still "very shocked" over Ms Chew's death.