Horrifying ordeal for woman as thief forces bag over her head

A thief forced a bag over a woman’s face before snatching cash from her hand.

Sometime between 9.10pm and 9.45pm on Tuesday 29 October 2013, a 51-year-old woman was making her way home from Mob’s Minimarket on Entwistle Road.

As she crossed the footbridge on Selby Street she was approached from behind by the offender, who forced a bag – described by the victim as being made of a muslin type cloth – over her head.

She was then pushed up against a wall and £10 that she was holding was snatched from her hand.

The robber, who is only described as wearing dark clothing, then removed the bag and ran off towards Entwistle Road.

The woman was left shaken but was not physically injured.

Detective Constable Amie Darnell, said: “I cannot imagine the initial fear that must have coursed through this woman’s body when the bag was placed over her head.

“Thankfully she was not seriously injured and only a small amount of cash was taken, but that in no way diminishes the seriousness of this offence or the impact it has had on the victim.

“This was an unusual incident and I would urge anyone who thinks they know the person responsible or has heard someone talking about committing this offence or using this MO to contact the police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9961, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.