A WOMAN'S bag was ripped from her hand by a cyclist as she walked to work.

The 33-year-old woman was making her way to work in Henrietta Street in Leigh just before 9am on Thursday, May 29, when the thief struck.

The man, riding a pedal bike, approached the woman from behind and grabbed her bag, forcing it from her hand before riding off in the direction of Bold Street.

The woman’s bag contained a purse and a mobile phone.

The thief was about 6ft tall, thin and wearing a dark grey hooded top with the hood up.

PC Kat Tyldesley said: “This man has proved how cowardly he is by approaching the woman from a position she would not be able to see him.

“Due to the time of the incident, we believe there would have been a number of people in the area and I would urge anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or have any information, to call us.”

Anyone with information can phone police on 0161 8567292 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.