BOLTON Hospice is supporting one of its volunteers who was hit in the face and dragged from her vehicle in a terrifying carjacking.

The 65-year-old woman was robbed as she was leaving the hospice charity shop in Astley Bridge on Wednesday at 4pm and as passers-by rushed to help the ‘dedicated’ volunteer, the attacker drove towards them before driving off at speed.

The car was later found abandoned at Moss Lea, Smithills. but the thief had fled with cash, phone and bank cards.

The victim suffered bruising in the attack.

Chief Executive of Bolton Hospice, Dr Leigh Vallance said she was “shocked and saddened” to hear what had happened.

She said: “This was a despicable attack on a woman who gives her time to volunteer to help Bolton Hospice and we are appalled.

“We are doing all we can to support the volunteer during this difficult time and have a dedicated staff member liaising with her regularly.

If anyone can help police to identify this cowardly attacker, we would urge them to do so.”

She added: “The volunteer had just finished her shift and, as she was getting into her car, she was dragged out of the vehicle, hit in the face and then had her car stolen.

“We understand that people from a nearby restaurant and the Asda store attempted to help and we thank them for that. However the attacker, without any concern for people’s safety, drove at them to force them out of the way.”

The victim is a well -known face at the shop, where she has been volunteering for two-and-half-years.

Dr Vallance said: “We have over 450 volunteers who assist in the operation of our charity shops and these dedicated individuals are absolutely vital in helping our shops generate over £1.4 million towards the hospice’s annual £4 million fundraising target.

“Our army of volunteers gift their skills and time to the hospice so selflessly and we simply wouldn’t be able to provide free, expert care for so many local patients and their families without their support.”

Police are appealing for information to catch the culprit.

DC Dickinson of Bolton CID, said: "This was an absolutely awful attack on an innocent member of the public who was out shopping on her own when the incident occurred.

"Our initial enquiries have established that there was a number of people nearby when the incident happened, who attempted to intervene to help the woman and I would like to thank those people for their bravery.

"We are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, who hasn’t already spoken to us, to come forward to help with our investigation.

"Anyone with information is asked to call 101, or Bolton CID on 0161 856 5757, quoting log 1982 of the 16 June 2021.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."