Witness appeal after 'appalling' robbery

Picture courtesy of Greater Manchester Police

Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was robbed in Ashton.

Shortly before 8.45pm last Thursday (December 13), police were called to reports of a robbery on Stamford Street East.

The 63-year-old woman was walking home from Ashton when she was attacked from behind, punched in the back and pushed to the floor.

The offender then stole her handbag and fled along Queen Street.

The victim was left with minor injuries.

Police have released an image of a man (above) they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Detective Sergeant Clare Smith, of GMP’s Tameside’s borough, said: “This is an appalling incident, which left a woman understandably shaken.

"Our thoughts remain with her while she recovers at home with her family.

“I want to assure the public and local community that we are doing everything we can to trace the person responsible for this senseless crime.

“While I appreciate the picture is of poor quality, I would urge anybody with any information, no matter how big or small they think it is, to please get in touch with us at Tameside police station on 0161 856 9353, quoting incident 2132 of 13 December 2018.”

Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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