A 65-YEAR-OLD woman was punched in the face by a thug who stole her handbag.

The woman was walking down an unlit ginnel near Eskrick Street, Halliwell, between 4.50pm and 5.20pm on Wednesday when she was attacked.

The man pulled at her bag from behind and shouted “give me the bag”.

The woman managed to put up a brief struggle before the robber punched her twice in the mouth.

The victim dropped the bag and the raider fled towards Eskrick Street.

The bag contained perfume, cosmetics, her bank pass book and other personal items.

The man was Asian, about 20, 6ft tall, with a chubby face.

He was wearing a black shiny anorak and black tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.