Woman assaulted during attempted robbery

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

Wood Street and Top Street, Middleton

A woman was assaulted during an attempted robbery in Middleton.

The woman, in her 50s, was walking along Top Street at 11.45am on Friday 17 May when a man approached her and demanded she empty her pockets.

When she tried to run away, he grabbed her handbag and shoved her to the floor before fleeing empty handed toward Middleton town centre.

The woman suffered extensive bruising to her hand and broken bones in her hand and fingers.

The offender is described as black, agreed between 15 to 20-years-old and was wearing a distinctive black thick-parker style or bubble jacket with a very large white fur-trimmed hood.

The hood was worn up and fastened beneath his chin.

Constable Andy Hardwick of GMP’s Rochdale District said: “This was a cowardly act of violence committed in broad daylight against a woman who was simply going about her day.

“Do you recognise the description of the offender? The attack happened on a warm day, so he would have stood out due to the fact he was wearing a coat with the hood up.

“If you have any information that can assist us, please get in touch as soon as possible.”

Details can be left with police on 0161 856 8701 quoting incident number 0897 of 17/05/2019.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.