Burnley pensioner targeted by would-be robber (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Burnley pensioner targeted by would-be robber

4:33pm Wednesday 11th July 2012 in News

A 79-YEAR-OLD woman had to fight off a would-be robber with a walking stick as a man tried to grab her handbag.

The incident took place between 12.30pm and 12.45pm yesterday when the woman was walking along the rear of Cedar Street and Pine Street, towards Plumbe Street, in Burnley, when she was approached by a lone man walking towards her from the direction of Plumbe Street.

The woman was carrying her handbag slung over her shoulder and was walking with a walking stick.

As the man approached her he grabbed her bag and tried to steal it.

When he failed he then grabbed at her jacket until she hit him around the head with her walking stick.

He did not manage to steal anything and ran off back in the direction of Plumbe Street.

The man is described as white, 5ft 6ins to 5ft 8ins tall, slim, with a gaunt face and fair hair.

He was wearing a scruffy brown jacket, jeans, black shoes or trainers.

Detective Sergeant Nick Hodgeson said: “The lady was extremely shook up and distressed by the ordeal and we would appeal to the public for information to help identify her attacker.

“Another man stood further away on Plumbe Street was seen by the victim; however his identity is as yet unknown. Police would like to speak to this individual and urge him to come forward.”

Anyone with any information should call Burnley CID on 101.