Woman assaulted as she challenged thieves

A WOMAN was assaulted while trying to stop thieves stealing stone from a Mossley vicarage.

The 62-year-old victim challenged the two men last Tuesday as they lifted stone paving from a footpath around the vicarage, next to St George’s Church.

The woman asked them what they were doing an they claimed to be removing the paving for the counil, which the victim knew was untrue. When she told them to return it they pushed past her, knocking her into a gatepost, before driving off in a white Transit van with four stones.

Police were called and officers are appealing for witnesses

The first man is pale, around 5ft 6in tall, in his late 20s to early 30s with a skinny or drawn face.

The second man is stocky with muscular shoulders, around 5ft 5in tall and around the same age. He had a “No 2” haircut.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.