A £2,000 REWARD has been offered for information about a thief who stole a purse from an 82-year-old woman's dead body after she was hit by an HGV.

Ethel Irene Ditcher, known as Irene, was hit by the lorry in Leigh Road, Leigh, as she walked home from Asda on February 4.

The 5ft tall pensioner suffered fatal injuries in the accident, which happened at about 11.40am, then, as she lay in the road, a man walked over to her body and took her purse.

Police say that despite an extensive investigation, the thief has not been found.

Crimestoppers are now offering a reward of up to £2,000 for information leading to the thief's arrest and conviction.

Crimestoppers' Manchester regional manager Gary Murray said: “This was a truly disgusting and callous act and we want to ensure that the man responsible is brought to justice."

The thief was white, 6ft tall, between 30 and 40 years old and medium build.

He had a dark brown beard and was wearing a light grey hooded top with the hood pulled over his head.

He also wore light blue jeans and black boot-style trainers.

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.