A mother and daughter were threatened and attacked by a knife-wielding robber as they laid flowers on the grave of a loved one at a cemetary.
The attack in Oldham has been condemned by detectives as shocking and cowardly.
Police patrols around Greenacres Cemetery in the town have been stepped up as a result and a major police investigation is now underway.
The robber - who eventually fled empty-handed - demanded car keys and a handbag from them.
Police said the woman, who is aged in her 60s, and her daughter were threatened and injured during a subsequent struggle at the graveside.
They suffered bruising and cuts, but are now recovering at home.
The attack happened at around 2.45pm on Sunday, but details have only just been released by police.
They were targeted as they laid flowers on the grave of a relative.
No further details have been released by police.
A GMP spokesman said: "A man armed with a knife approached the family members and made threats.
"He demanded the keys to their car and tried to snatch the woman’s handbag before eventually fleeing empty handed after a short struggle.
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"The man ran off towards Constantine Street."
He's described as white, aged between 18 and 25, slim and around 5ft 10ins tall, wearing a grey hooded top with horizontal stripes across the chest.
Detective Sergeant Alex Wilkinson, of GMP's Oldham district, called the attack 'cowardly' and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Both women were left 'very shaken' as a result, he said.
"This was a cowardly attack on two women who were simply visiting the grave of a loved one to pay their respects," said DC Wilkinson. The two women were left with cuts and bruises.
"The incident has left them both very shaken and we're urging anyone who witnessed this attack or has any information that could assist our enquiries to please get in touch.
"We will have extra police patrols in the area over the coming days so please approach these officers with any concerns or queries and they’ll assist in any way they can."
Call police with information on 0161 856 4555 or 101, quoting incident number 1875 of 21/07/19.
Details can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
