A DISABLED woman was left "shaken and terrified" after she was punched in the head during an attempted robbery.

The woman in her 30s, who has cerebral palsy and uses an electric wheelchair, had bene out shopping in Tyldesley Town Centre at 1.50pm on Tuesday.

She was on the field at Shakerley Estate when she was approached by a man who tried to snatch her handbag.

He punched the victim on the back of the head before fleeing, without the handbag, in the direction of the town centre.

He was described as white, aged between 40 and 50, of slim build with short grey hair and a goatee beard.

He was said to be wearing a yellow coat.

Detective constable Chris Waddicar said: “I am shocked by the brutality of this attack, on an innocent and defenceless woman.

“Fortunately, the man was unable to get away with the woman’s handbag but she has been left shaken and terrified."

Anyone with any information should call police on 0161 856 7292 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.