A pensioner was knocked to the ground by a robber in Atherton.

At about 10.45am on Sunday a 77-yar-old woman was walking along Tyldesley Road near to the Atherton Arms pub when she was approached from behind.

The offender hit the woman's shoulder, causing her to fall to the ground.

He then stole her black leather Kendals handbag containing a maroon purse and gloves and ran off towards Thomas Street.

The robber is described as about 5ft 5in tall, slim and wore a ‘beanie’ hat and a dark coloured jacket.

The victim suffered minor injuries.

Pc Steve Wooldridge, from the Volume Crime Team, said: “The contents of the bag will be of little worth to the offender but the consequences to the victim of being robbed like this are significant.

“This man’s actions were nothing short of desperate and I want anyone who saw anything or knows who is responsible to call me.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5309 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.