AN elderly man was mugged and thrown to the ground by a teenage thug...for the £2 worth of food he had just bought.

The 65 year-old pensioner was attacked as he walked along Market Street, Leigh.

He was approached from behind by the thief who tussled with the pensioner for the shopping bag. The man was thrown to the floor and suffered bruising.

The thief is described as a white male, aged 16 to 18 years, about 5ft 5in with short dark curly hair, of medium build, wearing a bomber jacket and white jeans.

This was the second attack of its kind in Leigh in two days. On Sunday, on Clifton Street, a 72 years-old woman was the victim of a handbag snatch. The thief approached the woman from behind, grabbing her handbag.

Her attacker is described as a white male, aged 18 to 20 years, of slim build, wearing a bob hat.

Anyone who can help track down either thief should contact Leigh CID on 0161 872 5050, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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