AN 81-year-old man was the victim of a vicious attack after being hit over the head with a rubber cosh while walking through a busy shopping precinct.

Harry Edwards, locally known as 'Old Harry,' was walking towards Salford Precinct on the Broadwalk, near to the old Pendleton Police Station, when the thug approached him from behind and hit him over the head with a rubber cosh.

Harry fell to the floor and saw the man run away towards Churchill Way with his bag, which contained a large amount of money.

Harry suffered a broken hip and cracked ribs. He is currently recovering in Hope Hospital after undergoing an operation on his hip.

Today, Harry from Pendleton, said: "I was just walking along the Broadway when this man just hit me from behind.

"I looked round to see him running off with my bag which I keep on my trolley. It had quite a lot of money in it, which I was going to use to buy gifts for other people.

"I'm obviously very upset, this person didn't need to hit me. I just remember lying on the floor in a lot of pain and I couldn't get back up.

"I am determined to get back on to my feet and not let this person stop me from going about my daily business. I like to spend most days down at the precinct, depending on the weather."

Chief Inspector Dominic Scally from Swinton Police Station said: "This was an extremely vicious attack on Harry, who was spending a normal day at the precinct. He regularly visits the precinct and is well known in the area.

"Harry suffered a number of injuries and is currently recovering in Hope Hospital. He is very brave and is focused on making a full recovery; he is determined that he will not be beaten by the person that has done this to him.

"Harry managed to see the man who attacked him and has described him as white, of slim build, aged in his late teens to early 20s and approximately 5ft 9in to 5ft 11in tall. He was wearing a balaclava, a black hooded top, black tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.

"The streets were already starting to get busy on Saturday morning at around 8am and I would ask anyone who may have seen the incident or who has any further information to contact

Salford Robbery Unit on 0161 856 5050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."