AN elderly woman was dragged along by a cyclist as she tried to stop her handbag from being stolen.

The 78-year-old was walking home across the car park at the back of the St John the Baptist Church in Atherton when a man on a bicycle snatched her handbag as he rode past.

The man cycled away with the bag after dragging the woman, who had tried to keep hold of it, along until she fell to the floor at about 10.50am yeaterday, Sunday.

The man is described as white, young in age and was wearing dark grey clothes.

Det Con Stuart Woodhead of Wigan division said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim and she is understandably extremely shaken by what happened.

“The woman tried to stop the offender stealing her bag, but he was determined and dragged her to the floor.

“I would like to remind people to be extra vigilant when carrying significant amounts of money or valuables with them.

“We want to catch the offender as soon as possible and I would urge anyone who witnessed the incident, to contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 7292 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.