Woman in wheelchair punched in face in attempted robbery‏

A disabled woman in a wheelchair was punched in the face by a man who tried to steal her handbag.

At 5.25pm on Wednesday 2 July 2014, the 55-year-old woman was on Long Street, Middleton, having been shopping in the town, when the thief approached her and grabbed hold of her handbag.

She refused to let go and was punched twice to the side of her head.

The offender is described as having olive skin, aged in his early 40s, about 5ft 7in tall, of muscular build and who had an Eastern European accent and was wearing a black hooded top and blue jeans.

He ran off towards the town centre after someone who was standing outside the nearby Olde Boar's Head pub shouted at him. This person left the area in a taxi prior to police attendance and officers are trying to locate them.

Detective Constable Mark Green, said: “This individual really is the lowest of the low. He is a coward and a scoundrel.

“To deliberately target and strike a person in a wheelchair is beyond comprehension for anyone with a moral compass.

“Were you in the area and do you have information about the offender? If so please call us.

“I am also eager to trace the person or persons who shouted at the offender but who left the area straight away. It is really important we speak to you so please come forward if you see or hear this appeal.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8701, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, no 0800 555 111.