A VULNERABLE woman with cerebral palsy was stopped by a gang of youths demanding money under a motorway bridge in Farnworth.

The 51-year-old victim was walking home along Loxham Street towards Manchester Road at about 11.40am on Tuesday when she was grabbed by three youths who ordered her to hand over her cash.

When she told them she did not have, the youths held her wrists and again demanded money.

They only released her when a passerby disturbed them. They fled empty-handed.

The boys were Asian, in their early teens, wore dark hooded tops, baseball caps and had their faces covered.Residents said such an attack was unusual in the area.

Naeen Khan, aged 34, of nearby Starcliffe Street, said: “Our house backs onto that area of that road and I wouldn’t feel safe walking under there at night. I have had things shouted at me as I’ve walked under there but never anything like that.

“I am quite shocked that something like that happened in the daytime. I didn’t think it was that bad.”

Shop owner Ishdiq Khan, aged 33, of Hall Street, said: “It’s quite quiet around here so I’m surprised that someone was mugged under there, especially in broad daylight.”

PC Chris Woodburn, from Bolton police, said: “We believe the boys have deliberately waited until the victim has been under the bridge and out of sight from potential witnesses before targeting her.

“Although the victim was not hurt, she did not know what would happen to her and has been left shaken.

“Due to the location of the incident, there may not be many witnesses but I would ask anyone who may have seen anything suspicious, particularly the man who disturbed the group, to contact us."

Anyone with information can phone police on 0161 8565640 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.