A DIRTY-faced robber attacked a 90-year-old woman in a Bolton alleyway.

The brave pensioner put up a fight to protect herself after the man sneaked up behind her as she walked up the ginnel on to Stanley Park Walk, Tonge Moor, Bolton.

As she wrestled with the man, he tried to pull her shopping bag from her during the assault at 1.45pm on October 13.

The victim was pushed to the ground and her bag, containing £30 in cash and food, was snatched from her grasp.

The attacker fled the scene leaving the elderly woman in a shocked and distressed state, with a cut to a finger on her right hand. Detectives are searching for a white man with a swarthy/dirty complexion, aged between 25 and 30, about 5ft 7ins tall with short dark hair and facial stubble.

He was wearing a blue zip-up top, light grey pants and training shoes. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on the free phone 0800 555111.