Fisherman distracts would-be robber

A BYSTANDER stopped a woman being robbed by shouting at a thug who’d dragged her to the ground.

Detectives said the victim, 73, was walking along the canal path from Spike Island car park in Widnes towards the Mersey Gateway bridge at 7.30am on Sunday when the would-be robber approached, asked for the time then grabbed her coat.

He dragged her to the ground and told her to hand over her cash and purse then tried to grab a plastic bag she was holding.

Cheshire police said a man fishing nearby saw what was going on and shouted to the suspect, who ran off in an unknown direction.

The mugger was described as white, 6ft tall, very thin with very short or shaved hair.

He appeared to be in his 30s and he was wearing a jacket.

Widnes police have tweeted that the woman was feeding swans at the time.

The woman suffered minor injuries but didn’t need treatment.

Detective Constable Nicola Dolan, of Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: “The victim was understandably left shaken by this incident and we have been conducting numerous enquiries to identify the man.

“As part of our enquiries I am appealing to anyone who may have CCTV footage or information that could assist with the investigation to please get in touch.”

● Anyone with information should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 quoting IML 1051265 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively, provide information online at cheshire. police.uk