Woman fights off robber

Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman fought off a robber who attempted to steal her handbag.

At around 5pm on Saturday 2 August a 51-year-old woman was walking through Morrisons car park on Kingsway, Rochdale when she was approached from behind by a man on a bicycle.

The man then tried to snatch the woman’s bag from her grasp, which started a tug of war between the two that was ended when robber gave up and pedalled off towards Kingsway.

The offender is described as white, in his early 20s, slim to medium build, with mousy brown hair and long brown stubble. He was wearing a dark grey hoody and carrying a blue satchel on a black BMX-style bicycle.

Detective Constable Hannah Greetham said: “First of all I would like to commend the victim for her bravery and sheer determination to fight off the offender.

“Whoever he is, he obviously underestimated her, but that does not make this offence less serious.

“He could have easily injured her in the attack and the casual nature of the robbery shows that he will more than likely try something similar again.

“If you have any information, if you saw the incident take place, or you recognise the description of the offender, please contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8552 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.