THIS is the man police want to speak to in connection with a terrifying robbery on a defenceless pensioner.

The 73-year-old was attacked as he got into his car after leaving Bolton Market.

The robber first tried to make conversation with the man before jumping into the passenger seat of his car.

He started ranting at him then poked him and punched him the chest before stealing £60.

The victim was unhurt in the incident but was left shaken up after the ordeal.

The attack happened at about 3.30pm on July 17.

Officers also want to speak to the same man in connection with another theft in which a 75-year-old man had £60 stolen from him in Newport Street on August 9 — and two other thefts from elderly victims.

Police are reminding shoppers to be vigilant after figures revealed thieves have targeted eight people in the town centre since the start of the month.

The Bolton News reported last month how thieves are targeting pensioners in Bolton

The victims of the thefts were all elderly and in each case, purses or bags were pick-pocketed near shops or close to cash machines just after money has been withdrawn.

Insp David Henthorne said: “We need the public's support in identifying the male who we need to speak to as a matter of urgency in relation to the robbery of an elderly man in Bolton town centre along with two other separate the thefts from two elderly ladies in the town centre.

“These people are preying on some of the most vulnerable and elderly in our society and it simply will not be tolerated in Bolton .

“Some one knows this man — they may live with him or near him or have had dealing with him in their work"

Insp Henthorne urged shoppers, particularly the elderly, to take simple precautions such as not putting their purses at the front of their shopping trolley in supermarkets and ensuring handbags are zipped up.

As part of the police operation, codenamed Operation Buckbarrow, officers are handing out security devices to pensioners to attach to their purses to stop them being stolen.

These are available at the front counter of police stations.

The man police want to speak to is described as olive skinned, Eastern European or Asian, and in his late thirties to early forties.

Anyone who has any information on the thefts or knows who the man in the picture should ring 101 or 0161 856 5619.