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Old woman dragged on ground by mugger

Bethan Dorsett
3/ 1/2006

AN elderly woman was dragged across the ground by a mugger when she refused to let go of her handbag.

The 71-year-old tried to fight her attacker after she was knocked to the pavement in Crown Street, Wellfield, in what police have described as a 'vicious' assault.

The man eventually snatched the handbag containing £500 savings she had withdrawn at Buersil Post Office minutes before Friday lunchtime's attack.

She has been left with cuts and bruises to her shoulder, knee and right hand and police said she had been deeply shaken by the robbery.

The attacker is described as white, between 5ft 8ins and 6ft, of athletic build and is thought to be in his 30s.

He was wearing blue jeans and a jumper with a grey sleeveless 'body warmer'-style jacket.

Detective Inspector Daryl Chadwick of Rochdale CID is urging witnesses to come forward by calling him on 0161 856 8543 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

He said: "This was a particularly vicious attack on a vulnerable woman in broad daylight.

"She bravely tried to keep hold of her handbag, but was forced to the ground and had to let go.

"I want to appeal to anyone with information regarding this attack to contact Rochdale CID and hopefully we will be able to arrest this coward before he attacks someone else."

He added: "I also have to advise anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves in a similar situation to consider their own safety as a priority before offering any resistance."


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Most recent 2 of 3 user comments

   This is bloody disgusting. Right round the corner from my house too. If I'd caught him at it I'd be looking at a decent sentence for assault now, and he'd be in hospital receiving sympathy cards. The world is a sick place. I hope the lady concerned is not too badly affected by the situation.
Big Lad, Down Rochdale
13/01/2006 at 18:43
   these thugs are targetting the old and the young because they are vulnerable. the police and the courts should treat such offences more harshly and impose stiffer penalties. the law is too soft.most old people have worked most of their lives and for what. when a person is convicted they are place in a prison cell with a television and a games console.that is not a punishment, it is a reward. have we started to reward bad behviour.
m.brooks, rochdale
7/01/2006 at 13:12
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