97-year-old woman sustains broken hip after 'horrific' robbery in her home: Leigh
(M46 - Monday, 19 December, 2011)

A 97-year-old woman who broke her hip after she was robbed in Leigh remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

At around 11.25am on Saturday 17 December 2011, Janet Morris answered the door to her home on Old Hall Mill Lane.

A man asked whether she had any change for a pound coin and as she went to open her purse, she was hit at the back of her head, causing her to fall to the ground.

The man took her purse before running off in an unknown direction.

She was taken to hospital where she is undergoing treatment for a broken hip.

The offender is described as:

• a white male
• aged in his 20s
• stocky build

Detective Sergeant Gary Ashurst from Wigan CID said:

"Any type of robbery is appalling but this particular case goes beyond belief.

"This man has physically attacked a vulnerable member of the community in her own home as she was about to help him out.

"I can assure this man that we will be doing everything in our power to catch him and bring him to justice.

"Even the most hardened criminal will be shocked to hear about this incident and I would urge them or anyone who knows who is responsible for this horrific robbery to contact police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 5307.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: Greater Manchester

Address:
Old Hall Mill Lane
Atherton
Manchester
Lancashire
M46