A pensioner was violently attacked from behind then punched repeatedly in the face as he visited his mother’s grave on the anniversary of her death.
The 68-year-old man was at his mother’s graveside in Gorton Cemetery around midday on Saturday May 17 when the offender approached him from behind and grabbed his shirt.
Pushing the elderly man off balance, the violent thug then swiped the man’s wallet from his back pocket before punching him several times in the face.
The man then fled through a hole in the fence leading to a cycle path adjacent to the cemetery.
Police are now appealing for help and have issued a detailed description of the attacker.
Detective Constable Michael O’Connor, said: “The victim was tending to his mother’s grave on the anniversary of her death when inexplicably the offender has attacked and robbed him from behind.
“To attack a man at a graveside is an appalling act of cowardice and the actions of the person responsible smack of absolute desperation.
“I would encourage anyone with information about this incident of the offender, no matter how small that piece of information might be, to call the police in complete confidence.
“This man needs to be caught and brought to justice and with the public’s help I am hopeful we can do that.”
The offender is described as white, of stocky build and aged between 35 and 40.
He was about 5ft 8in tall, had short brown hair and had a ‘scruffy’ appearance.
He was wearing blue stonewash jeans and a navy jumper.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3521, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of William Murphy, with thanks.
