Woman, 63, dragged to ground by handbag thief in 'shocking' broad daylight robbery in Blackburn

A woman had her handbag stolen by a man who dragged her to the ground in broad daylight in a Blackburn car park.
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A 63-year-old woman was in the car park of the Mill Hill Community Centre at the rear of Francis Street when she was approached by a man at around 5pm on July 17.

The man grabbed the woman’s handbag before dragging her to the ground, robbing her and running away from the scene.

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She suffered minor injuries to her knee, hand and elbow as a result of the incident.

Detectives have now released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident and are urging anyone who recognises him to come forward.

Det Con Mark Parrington, of Blackburn CID, said: "This was a shocking offence which took place in broad daylight.

"The victim has been left very shaken and distressed and we want to find the man responsible as soon as possible.

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"I would urge anyone who recognises the man pictured to come forward immediately."

Police would like to speak to the man in the CCTV images in connection with the incident. (Credit: Lancashire Police)Police would like to speak to the man in the CCTV images in connection with the incident. (Credit: Lancashire Police)
Police would like to speak to the man in the CCTV images in connection with the incident. (Credit: Lancashire Police)

The attacker took a beige, brown-coloured leather handbag with a long shoulder strap and a flip cover.

The bag contained a tartan purse with the victim’s bank card and cash, as well as a black Nokia flip phone, address book, umbrella, gloves, glasses and other items.

Anyone with information can contact police by calling 101 or emailing [email protected], quoting log number 1088 of July 17.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.