PENSIONER Laura Lomax was attacked and knocked to the ground on her way back from a post office in Radcliffe.

But the mugger escaped with just a few tissues, bits of paper and a couple of sweets - thanks to Mrs Lomax's forgetfulness.

The 63-year-old had just arrived at her local post office in Ainsworth Road afternoon when she realised she had forgotten to bring her purse and pension book.

Annoyed by her mistake and unable to draw her pension, Mrs Lomax began to make her way home to retrieve the items but was attacked by a man who, after a violent struggle, escaped with her handbag. The grandmother-of-four was knocked to the ground in Marsden Walk at 2.30pm on Monday, suffering minor injuries.

She is now recovering at home in Radcliffe but she is thanking providence that the thief escaped with next to nothing.

She said: "If I hadn't forgotten my purse or pension book then this man would have stolen them.

"My forgetfulness was a stroke of good fortune, although I have suffered a few strains and bruises as a result of the attack.

"My house keys and my mobile phone were in my coat pocket so he got away with nothing of value.

"I am thankful that a more older, more frail person was not targeted by this man. He was very violent and he could have done a lot more harm to someone else."

Mrs Lomax said the offender zipped his top over the lower part of his face seconds before he attacked her. He was wearing navy blue coloured clothing, was approximately 5ft 6ins tall and in his mid to late 30s.

"I feel nothing but anger towards this man for what he did," added the retired accounts clerk.

"He has made me feel vulnerable and anxious in the street.

"People should be allowed to get on with their everyday business without the fear of being mugged."

Anyone with information about the incident should contact detectives at Bury's priority crime unit on (0161) 856 8179 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.