AN 85-year-old woman has been robbed on the street moments after collecting her pension.

In a crime described as ‘despicable and cowardly’ by neighbours, the elderly lady was targeted yesterday (mon) outside the Mosley Street Post Office in the Infirmary district of Blackburn.

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Police said the lady, who lives locally, had just picked up her pension when the robber struck at around 11.30am.

As she left the post office she was in the process of putting her purse back into her bag when the man approached her on nearby Southworth Street and snatched her purse from her hand.

The purse contained an unspecified amount of cash, the lady’s bus pass and other documents and bank cards.

Police issued a detailed description of the suspect, who was said to be a white male, possibly in his 20s.

He was of medium-size build and approximately 5ft 8in tall with mousey blonde hair. He was wearing a red top with black sleeves and blue jeans.

PCSO Tom Archer who covers the Blackburn, Longshaw and Highercroft areas said the suspect then made his escape along Southworth Street past the One Stop Shop.

He said: “This was a crime targetting a vulnerable, elderly lady who was simply out to collect her pension.

“We would appeal to anyone who saw this man or anything suspicious to get in touch with us.

“If you have information please contact Blackburn Police on 101 quoting log number LC-20150727-0426.”

Sajid Ali, from Mosley Street Post Office, said: “The lady involved is a lovely woman, she lives nearby and is a regular customer.

“Everyone is shocked that she was a victim of this horrible crime.

“In the few hours since it happened a few people have offered to help so there will be a collection box behind the counter here and I will ensure that any money donated is given to her to replace the money that was stolen.”

Christine Connell helps run the nearby Ivy Street Community Centre.

She said: “That poor lady. This is a despicable crime which will shock everyone in this tight knit community.

“He needs catching before he does it again and then he needs punishing.

“You kick one of us around here and we all hurt.”

Mrs Connell also said she and others at the community centre would help and support the lady if she needed assistance.

“If the lady calls me on 01254 55977 we will make sure she gets every penny stolen back and any other practical help she needs,” she said.