Pensioner attacked for food shopping

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A PENSIONER was pushed to the ground and robbed while walking home.

The 78-year-old victim was walking along a footpath which runs under the A441 from Union Street on to Holloway Drive, in Lodge Park, about 3pm on Tuesday (December 18) when he was pushed over from behind.

The robber then snatched a black bag of groceries before he ran off towards a path which runs between B&Q and Matalan, leaving the elderly man with a bruised hip.

He was believed to be wearing dark trousers and black Puffa jacket over a blue top.

Det Con Rachel Southan of Redditch CID said: "Robbing a pensioner who was carrying just a few pounds worth of groceries is obviously pretty despicable and I would urge anyone who knows or thinks they know who is responsible for this to get in touch.

"And if you saw a man fitting the description of the offender in that area yesterday or running from the scene, then please tell us.

She added the victim's nylon shopping bag had not yet been recovered and police were interested in talking to anyone who might have come across it.

Police are also calling on two Asian men who were passing at the time and helped the man off the ground to come forward and help them with enquiries.

"Unfortunately they did not stay at the scene and we don't know who they are. We also don't know if they saw the incident or the offender making off afterwards but either way we really would like them to come forward."

The path where the robbery took place was cordoned off and a dog handler attended. Officers are also studying CCTV footage from the area.

Anyone with any information should contact officers at Redditch CID on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident reference 79-N-181212, or pass details on anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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