AN 85-year-old woman was pushed to the ground and kicked during a robbery in Atherton.

The victim was walking along Elizabeth Street when a man approached her from behind at 10.10am yesterday, Thursday.

She was pushed to the ground and then kicked her in the back. The force of her fall caused her glasses to smash and she hurt her head and hand.

The man grabbed her handbag before running off in the direction of York Street.

PC John Catterall, from the volume crime team, said: “This was a disgusting and cowardly attack on a vulnerable member of our community which has left her injured and shocked. "The fact that he pushed and kicked an 85-year-old woman tells us something about the type of person this man is.

“I am sure local residents will be angered by what has happened and I would urge them or anyone else who may have witnessed the robbery to contact us as soon as possible.”

He is described as white, in his late 30s or early 40s, 5ft 8in and of slight build. He had a gaunt face and pale complexion and was wearing a black hooded jacket and light coloured jeans or trousers.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7203 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.