A ‘mono-brow mugger’ was foiled in an attempted handbag theft in Ashton-Under-Lyne on Friday evening.
A 22-year-old woman had just finished work and was walking along Stamford Street East near the town centre around 5.40pm on July 26.
When the attacker attempted to snatch her handbag a struggle ensued, when a brave passer-by intervened – prompting the offender to flee empty-handed.
Detective Constable Ian Toole of Greater Manchester Police praised the intervention, and has called for the courageous member of the public to come forward.
“I would particularly like to hear from the passer-by who, instead of just watching, had the courage to intervene and almost certainly prevented this man from stealing the woman’s handbag.
“It is genuinely heart-warming to know there are people out there prepared to help others and I’m sure the victim herself would like to thank him again in person, so we really need to speak to him.”
The offender is described as white but with a tanned complexion, possibly of Eastern European descent. He is said to be around 5ft 10in tall and of a slim build, with short brown hair with a bald spot on top.
He was wearing a plain grey T-shirt, faded blue jeans and dirty white trainers.
It is also believed that he has dark brown eyes and bushy eyebrows, along with large pointed ears and a distinctive mole on his right cheekbone.
Detective Constable Ian Toole would like to speak to anyone who recognises the detailed police description, or anyone who has any other information on the alleged incident.
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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