Elderly woman assaulted in '˜appalling attack' in Lancaster city centre

The 80-year-old woman was making her way to Sainsbury’s to do her shopping and cut down Butterfield Street in the direction of Chapel Street.

She was approached from behind by a man who pushed her, causing her to fall face down on to the floor and she suffered bruises and cuts to her face and knees.

The man ran away in the direction of Dye House Lane when the victim turned to look at him.

PC John Marshall said: “This was an appalling attack on a woman simply out to do her shopping at the weekend.

“We think that this was intended to be robbery which for some reason the offender stopped before carrying it out.

“If you saw the offender or may have any information that can assist with our investigation, please get in touch.”

The attacker is described as a white male, slim build, 25 to 30 years old and was wearing a beige coloured top and bottoms.

The incident happened on Friday August 5 at 2.45pm.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident crime reference WB1606295.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.