RESIDENTS have rallied to raise nearly £750 for a pensioner who was the victim of a vicious robbery.

Clifton Street and Stoneyholme residents have come together and raised £740 for the woman in her 70s who was attacked and had her handbag, containing keys, a bank card, personal items and £300 in cash stolen on Manchester Road, Burnley, on January 5.

Kelly Decruz and her friend Leanne Cregg launched the appeal and within half an hour, they had already raised £400 for the woman.

James Anderson from community group Depher donated £250 while Cllr Andy Fewings, leader of the Green Party for Burnley, donated £100.

Another £50 came from the Clifton Street and Stoneyholme community funds after residents all agreed they wanted to help the woman.

Kelly said: “This is something we wanted to do. The community here are always there to help each other.

“We were aiming for £600 which is double what was stolen.

“If she has to have her locks changed or something, this money can help pay for that.

“She is an OAP and times are hard for enough as it is so she may struggle.

“We wanted to show her that not everyone in this world is evil - there are still kind people about.”

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the incident which took place between 7.50am and 8am, with the pensioner having been approached by a woman from behind.

The offender grabbed the victim’s handbag and pulled her to the ground, taking the bag before leaving in a white vehicle.

She was described as slim and small in height. She was wearing a cap and possibly jeans with a short jacket.

Det Sgt Ashley Johnston said: “This was a shocking attack which has left the elderly victim very shaken and upset.

“The victim was visibly distressed and screamed during the incident and we are keen to identify and arrest the person responsible as soon as possible.

“If you saw what happened, or have any information, please come forward."

Call police on 101 with any information.