A WOMAN was pushed to the floor by a man as he tried to steal her mobile phone in Atherton.

The 20-year-old was walking along a dirt track towards Bee Fold Lane when she noticed a man walking towards her just after 12.30pm on July 16. He walked past and she started to use her mobile phone.

She heard someone running behind her before she was pushed over by the man as he demanded she gave him her phone.

She got up, pushed him away and he ran off empty handed.

The man is described as being white, in his 40s, around 5ft 8in of skinny build, had a bald head with shaven hair at the side, fair eyebrows and dark bags around his eyes.

He had scarring from acne, was clean shaven and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing a beige t-shirt with a black logo, light coloured jogging pants and white trainers.

Det Con Lynsey Watson said: “The victim showed the strength of character to get up and push away the offender. She actually gave chase for a while but the man managed to escape.

“It was broad daylight when the incident happened so I would ask anyone who recognises the description of the man or saw someone similar leaving the dirt track and making their way on Bee Fold Lane, please phone us.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7225 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.