AN 85-year-old woman was dragged to the ground and robbed by a thief who pulled up beside her in a car.

The pensioner was walking along Halliwell Road, Bolton, near to her home at about 11am yesterday.

Police believe a car carrying two or three Asian youths parked up behind her and one jumped out.

The thief dragged her to ground and stole her handbag containing a quantity of cash.

He then got back into the car which drove off at speed down Halliwell Road towards Bolton town centre.

He is described as 5ft 8ins, slim and of athletic build and was wearing dark clothing and a three quarters leather or suede jacket.

The woman was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital suffering from shock and was released a short time later.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the robbery to call Bolton CID on 0161 856 5753.