A REWARD has been offered in a bid to catch a "callous" thief who stole a purse from a dying 82-year-old woman.

Crimestoppers is offering £2,000 to anyone who can help track down the "disgusting" thief, who stole Ethel Irene Ditcher's purse after she had been hit by a lorry.

The culprit has not been found despite an extensive police operation being launched, and Crimestoppers is asking for information leading to their arrest and conviction.

The man is described as white, 6ft, aged between 30 and 40 years old and of medium build.

He had a dark brown beard and was wearing a light grey hooded top, with the hood pulled over his head, and also wore light blue jeans and black boot-style trainers.

Gary Murray, Crimestoppers' Manchester regional manager, said: “This was a truly disgusting and callous act and we want to ensure that the man responsible is brought to justice."

Miss Ditcher, known as Irene, was hit by the lorry in Leigh Road, Leigh, while she walked home from Asda on February 4.

The pensioner, who was 5ft, suffered fatal injuries in the accident, which happened at about 11.40am.

As she lay in the road a man walked over to her and took her purse.

At the time of her death, Miss Ditcher's spoke of their disgust. In a statement, they said: “We cannot believe that someone has done this to our auntie.

“We are absolutely disgusted by this person's actions. Had auntie Irene been alive she would have given them the money if they'd asked. We just hope their conscience gets the better of them and they hand themselves into the police.”

In addition, her nephew and niece paid tribute to their aunt, saying: “To our dearly loved auntie, who was taken from us; you now sit with the angels and your beloved family. You will be sadly missed by your dear friends and you will always be in our hearts but never forgotten.

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.