A FUND has been set up to support an elderly woman who was robbed in Farnworth.

People have begun to donate to a JustGiving page set up to raise £500 to replace the money stolen during the incident, on March 27.

A thief said “thank you” to the pensioner after stealing her purse and keys while she walked through a car park in Blackhorse Street.

Andrea Smith, of Heaton, who set up the fund, has asked residents to donate £1 each to the woman after she saw reports of the robbery in The Bolton News.

She said: “If that was my mother or my grandmother it would have been nice to be able to help her. Whether it was £2 or £20, she must have been terrified.”

The woman was pushing a shopping trolley when the thief reached in and took the items.

A member of the public on a bicycle chased the thief after the incident but he got away.

Greater Manchester Police said officers were called to Topphome Court in Blackhorse Street at about 3.15pm.

They are now appealing for information from anyone who may have seen the incident.

PC Cath Kerr from GMP’s Bolton borough said: "The man saw a vulnerable lady and took advantage, and was quite happy in doing so. He even went as far as saying 'thank you' to the lady as he stole her purse.

"This was the middle of the afternoon so I’m hopeful that there were witnesses who may have seen the man and may know who he is. I am also keen to hear from those members of the public who helped the lady."

The man is described as in his 30s of slim build and was clean shaven. He was wearing a black hat and a dark coloured short jacket.

The stolen purse is black with a leather key holder and is believed to have contained a "considerable amount" of money.

More information on the fund can be found online at: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/amy-smith-957.

Anyone with any information is asked to get in touch with police on 0161 856 9937 or call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.