Pot-bellied robber hunted

FACE of the robber who attacked a lone woman

Police have released an image of a man they are hunting after a woman was robbed as she walked home from a shopping trip in Oldham town centre.

The 23-year-old victim was confronted in Wellington Road, Werneth, at 5pm on Monday, May 10.

The thief, who appeared to come from Werneth Park, charged towards her and demanded her bag. When she refused, he threatened to kill her and snatched the bag from her hands.

The woman screamed to try to attract attention as the thief ran off towards Werneth Park.

Jewellery and personal items were in the handbag and she was left extremely shaken, although she was not physically injured.

Police are appealing to anyone who has information to come forward and have released an e-fit of the man responsible.

He is described as white, broad and of big build, about 5ft 6in tall and in his mid-20s. He has a big belly and light-coloured eyes, possibly hazel, and he is bald. He was wearing a red jacket and possibly blue jeans.

Det-Con Natalie Sykes, of the Oldham Volume Crime Team, said: “Despite going through a very scary ordeal, the woman has been extremely brave and given an excellent description of the robber, so I would urge people to look at the e-fit and if you do recognise this man, please call us.

“This robbery happened in broad daylight and the woman screamed for help, so there may be a lot of witnesses who either saw or heard what happened who could have vital information that will help us find this man. If you did see or hear anything, then again 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.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161-856 1978 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 111.