A VICIOUS mugger dragged a woman in her 70s along the ground before making off with her handbag and a large amount of cash.

The 78-year-old woman was attacked as she walked along an alleyway with her sister.

The two elderly women were visiting a friend at a residential home near Manchester Road in Accrington.

The mugger attempted to grab his victim's handbag but the strap was wrapped around her arm.

The thug dragged the woman along the ground for several yards before the strap snapped and the man fled.

The thief escaped with several hundred pounds and police want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the robbery, about 3pm last Sunday.

Police say he was white, aged 20 to 25, between 5ft 8 and 5ft 10in, with dark hair cut short at the sides and curly on top.

He was wearing dark blue jeans, a light blue sweat shirt and is described as clean shaven and handsome.

Anyone with information can contact PC Paul Schofield at Accrington police station on 01254 382141.

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