‘Cowardly’ thugs robbed a 60-year-old woman, knocking her tooth out, in Rochdale last month – and now two suspects have been caught on CCTV.
Now police have released stills of the men wanted in connection with the attack who were seen hanging around the area.
The woman was mugged shortly after getting of a bus at Rochdale bus station between 9:50am and 10:05am on July 3.
After leaving the bus the victim walked towards John Street via Baillie Street.
Going into the car park behind Broadwater Centre on Smith Street, she was attacked from behind by a man who struck her to the ground, knocking her tooth out as she hit the ground.
It is believed another offender acted as a lookout while his accomplice carried out the mugging, before the main offender stole the victim’s handbag and the duo ran off towards Broadwater Youth Club.
Detective Constable David Gill said: “It has now been a month since this cowardly and dastardly attack on a woman that left her with a tooth knocked out.”
The first man wanted in connection to the attack is described as white, 6ft tall 18-20 years old of medium build and short brown hair – the man was wearing a dark tracksuit.
The other man was also white, of a similar age, height and build and wearing a dark tracksuit.
DC Gill added: “We have now recovered CCTV which has captured the two men who believe were involved in this robbery and I would ask people to look very carefully at the images and if you think you recognise these two men then please come forward.
“These images were taken as the two culprits were sat on a wall drinking at the junction of Smith Street and Molesworth Street just before the robbery, and we believe they may have seen this woman on her own and taken advantage in the cruellest possible way.
“I would urge people to study these images and if you suspect you know who these men are, then your information could help us get the justice the victim deserves.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4052, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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