Police have launched an appeal for information after the daughter of an elderly woman bravely fought off a man who tried to rob her in Ashton-under-Lyne at the weekend.
Other members of the public also intervened, forcing the offender to run away.
The attacker struck on Lordsfield Avenue at around 2.30pm on Saturday when the woman in her late 70s was walking along a bridle path with her daughter and a man approached her from behind and grabbed her neck.
READ MORE: Food bin collections missed in Tameside as Covid-19 hits workforce
The offender is then believed to have thrown her to the ground and attempted to get hold of her handbag.
He dragged his victim along the ground, causing injuries including cuts and bruising to her face, neck, and legs.
The victim's daughter then bravely managed to fend off the offender.
Other members of the public are believed to have witnessed the incident and ran to the victim's aid, which subsequently caused the offender to flee without the handbag.
Police say enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made.
PC Richard Beswick, of GMP's Serious Acquisitive Crime Team, said: "This was a horrific attack on an elderly woman. Thankfully, she was not seriously hurt.
"We are continuing to investigate this matter and are following all lines of enquiry.
"Prior to this incident, the offender was seen waiting at the junction of Turner Lane and Lordsfield Avenue. We are urging anyone who was in the area at the time to please take a look back if they have any dashcam footage.
"Anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious should please contact police immediately as it could prove vital in helping us locate the offender."
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9338 quoting incident number 2097 of 15/01/21.
Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
