Good Samaritans sought after attack

It happened on Friday between 9.15am and 9.25am, at the junction of Graham Street and Peel Hall Street.

The offender approached the 38-year-old woman, pushed her to her chest and took hold of her shoulders, before shaking her and shouting for her to empty her pockets.

She screamed and the offender ran off empty-handed down a footpath next to a nearby apartment block. Police are appealing for witnesses, particularly two women who came to the victim’s aim.

DC Rachael Ashcroft, of Preston CID, said: “This attack took place in broad daylight on a residential street, just moments after the victim had withdrawn money from a nearby cash machine.

“We believe the offender may have followed the victim from the cashpoint, so she is understandably shaken.”

The offender is described as Asian, of thin build, with short black hair and a North West accent. He was wearing a light grey padded jacket. Call 101.