Pensioner, 94, is seriously injured after being knocked down by fleeing shoplifter

The pensioner suffered a broken shoulder and was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital after she was sent crashing to the floor at around 11am on Friday (November 20).

Police say the man had been challenged by staff after they suspected him of stealing bottles of Jack Daniels whiskey from the Tesco store in Wyre Street.

The man then fled the store, barging into a staff member before colliding with the frail 94-year-old shopper.

The woman remains in hospital where her injuries are described as serious.

He is described as white, 5ft 10ins tall, and had been sporting a black eye.

He was wearing a black baseball cap, black face mask, blue jacket and grey tracksuit pants.

Police are appealing for information and urging anyone who recognises the man described to come forward.

Det Insp Paul Langley said: "This was a shocking incident which has left an elderly woman seriously injured requiring hospital treatment.

"We would appeal to the community for information in helping to identify this man.

"Did you see what happened? Did you see a man leaving the store with bottles of whiskey?

"f so please come forward and help our enquiries."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 0408 of November 20.

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