Thief stole purse of pensioner as she lay dying in the streets

A THIEF stole the purse of a pensioner as she lay dying in the streets, police have said.

A road in Leigh, Greater ManchesterIG

Leigh in Greater Manchester

Officers found the dead body of an 82-year-old woman following reports that she had been hit by a lorry on Leigh Road in Leigh, Greater Manchester.

After the collision, officers were told by witnesses that a man had stolen the woman's purse before before leaving the scene, according to a police spokesman.

The officers were called to the scene at around 11:45am on Wednesday.

Detective Sergeant Neil Lawless said: "This is one of the most disgusting crimes I have ever investigated and I find it hard to believe someone could stoop so low to commit such a horrific offence.

This is one of the most disgusting crimes I have ever investigated and I find it hard to believe someone could stoop so low

Detective Sergeant Neil Lawless

"This man has taken what he sees as an easy opportunity by stealing a purse from a dying woman. I am sure the community will be equally disgusted and I appeal to anyone who may have seen this man take the purse and walk off on Leigh Road.

"There are a number of rumours circulating on social media at the moment but I would like to reassure residents we are doing all we can to find out who is responsible.

"However, for us to do so, we need your help. If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, please call us as soon as possible."

The man is described as white, 6ft, aged between 30 and 40, medium build, with a dark brown beard, wearing a light grey hooded top with the hood up, light blue jeans and black boot-style training shoes.

• Anyone with information is asked to phone police on 101 or the independent charity CrimeStoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111

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