Woman, 74, robbed in street

A pensioner was left injured after a robber stole her handbag in a street attack in Rochdale.

At 5.30pm on Thursday 11 November 2010, the 74-year-old woman got off the train at Rochdale station and made her way home.

The victim was carrying shopping bags in both hands and as she walked down Pomona Street, she tried to take her house keys from her pocket.

A robber then grabbed her bag from behind with such force that the woman fell to the ground.

He then ran off down an alleyway towards Ashfield Road.

The offender has been described as black, aged around 25, 5ft 6ins tall, of stocky build with a round face. He was wearing a black hat with a peak, a black waist-length Crombie coat and dark pants.

The robber got away with the woman's black handbag in which was a quantity of cash, cards, and jewellery.

The woman suffered a minor injury to her elbow.

Police Constable Nadim Ahmad, based at Rochdale Police Station, said: "Luckily, the woman was not badly injured but was very upset to have her personal possessions taken from her in such a way.

"There may be witnesses who either saw or heard what happened and who could have vital information that will help us find this man. If you did see or hear anything, then please come forward.

"Anyone who has been a victim of a robbery will know how traumatic it can be and the only real peace of mind will come when this man is locked up.

"We have made some significant reductions in the number of robberies across Greater Manchester, and I want to make it absolutely clear that targeting the sorts of robbers who prey on people is a priority for Greater Manchester Police. With the public's help, we can catch this man and put him away."

Anyone with any information should call police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.