Appeal after street attack
PENSIONER SUFFERED A FRACTURED EYE SOCKET
AN investigation is under way after a pensioner was left with a fractured eye socket in a brutal street robbery.
Shortly after 9.30pm on May 7, police were told a 79-year-old woman had been robbed in the Claremont North Avenue area of Gateshead.
Police say the woman was grabbed from behind and pulled to the ground, before her attacker fled the scene with her bag.
The woman suffered serious facial injuries, including a fractured eye socket.
Police say she was left “shaken” by the incident.
Now detectives have released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
He was on a bus at the time when a bank card that had been taken was used. Police say the man may have information that can assist officers with their investigation.
Det Con Joanne Newton, of Northumbria Police, said: “We have carried out a number of inquiries following this incident which caused a great deal of distress for the victim and the local community as a whole.
“It was a despicable and cowardly crime against an elderly member of our community, who was pulled to the ground and robbed as she went about her everyday business.
“We are committed to bringing those responsible to justice, and we have spoken to a number of people in connection with this investigation over the last few months. The victim in this case also continues to be offered support by police officers.
“As part of our inquiries, we have identified a man who we would like to trace.
“He may have vital information that could assist officers, and I would now appeal to the man pictured and the wider public to come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference 1145 070519, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively, you can email information to 2355@northumbria. pnn.police.uk.