Woman hit and robbed while waiting for the tram

CCTV still of suspect - Couple robbed while waiting for the tram

A woman was hit on her head and had her handbag stolen whilst waiting at Kingsway tram stop.

A man approached a couple at the tram stop and grabbed the handbag from the 61-year-old woman, the force caused the couple to fall to the floor. The offender ran off with her bag

Detectives investigating the robbery, which happened at about 12.10am on Sunday 8 June 2014, have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

He is described as white with a light complexion, a thin face and slim build, he is between 5ft 4in and 5ft 5in tall. He was wearing a hooded coat with a zip down the front and dark tracksuit bottoms.

Detective Constable Chris Whalley from Rochdale division, said: “This was a particularly cowardly attack on a couple who were minding their own business waiting for a tram.

“They were approached by a man who got off the tram and grabbed hold of the woman’s handbag dragging them both to the floor, fortunately their injuries were not serious, but they have both been left in shock.

“I would urge you to take a close look at the CCTV image of the suspect and if you recognise this man or have any information about the robbery please call us as soon as possible so we can find the person responsible and bring them to justice.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.