A pensioner was robbed of her life savings shortly after withdrawing the cash from a bank.

The 73-year-old woman had taken out the money, believed to be have been thousands of pounds, from the Lloyd Bank on Moston Lane in Blackley early on Monday afternoon.

She then walked to her friend’s house on Lewis Avenue.

The woman left the house at around 4pm and as she was walking was approached from behind by a man.

He grabbed her handbag and there was a struggle before she was pulled her to the ground, injuring her hip.

He then got into a dark coloured car that had been parked on Goodman Street and drove off.

The offender is described as being white, in his late 20s, between 5ft 6in and 5ft 9in tall, wore a black or navy blue jacket with the hood up and spoke with a local accent.

Detective Constable Matt Fryer from North Manchester North Integrated Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “This is a completely despicable crime by a cowardly man who purposefully picked out an elderly and vulnerable woman.

"We believe this man had been eyeing up potential victims near to the bank before he followed her and waited for her to leave her friend’s house.

“She had withdrawn her life savings so is understandably absolutely devastated that this has happened and cannot believe that someone could be so cruel.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen the robbery take place or who may have seen the man drive off in a dark coloured car to call us as soon as a possible.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 3913 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.