Greater Manchester police say witnesses in Leigh report seeing a man steal purse of 82-year-old woman who had been hit by lorry

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Police are hunting for a thief who stole an elderly woman’s purse as she lay dying in the road after being hit by a lorry.

Greater Manchester police were called to Leigh Road, Leigh at 11:45am on Wednesday morning following reports an 82-year-old woman had been hit by a lorry. Officers attended but the woman was found dead at the scene.

Police say that witnesses reported seeing a man steal her purse before fleeing. They are now appealing for more information to find the culprit.

Detective Sergeant Neil Lawless said: “This is one of the most disgusting crimes I have ever investigated and I find it hard to believe someone could stoop so low to commit such a horrific offence.

“This man has taken what he sees as an easy opportunity by stealing a purse from a dying woman. I am sure the community will be equally disgusted and I appeal to anyone who may have seen this man take the purse and walk off on Leigh Road.”

The woman has now been identified and her relatives have been informed.

The suspected thief is described as being white, 6ft tall, between 30 and 40 years old, of medium build, had a dark brown beard, wore a light grey hooded top with the hood pulled over his head, light blue jeans and black boot style training shoes.

Anyone with information should phone the police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.