Woman has bag snatched in Burnley knifepoint robbery

The incident happened between 9-30pm and 9-45pm on Wednesday in Todmorden Road on the footpath outside the registry office.

The victim, a 54-year-old local woman, was walking home from work alone when she was approached by a man who demanded her handbag and threatened to harm her with a knife.

The woman pleaded with the offender but eventually let him take her bag, which contained cash, a purse and an iPhone. The man then ran off towards Holme Street.

He is described as white, aged around 20, approximately 5ft 10ins and was wearing a dark grey hooded and dark track bottoms and black trainers.

DC Phil Scott, from Burnley CID, said: “This is a despicable and cowardly crime that has left the victim, who was simply making her way home after a day at work, badly shaken.

“I must commend a brave member of public who tried to intervene but understandably, became concerned for his safety after seeing a knife.

“We know that the offender was in the company of a woman before this incident and so I urging her to do the right thing and come forward.

“Similarly, if you saw or know anything about this incident, please speak to us.”

Anybody with information can call 01282 472170 or if you fail to get an answer, 101, quoting incident reference 1550 of February 12th.

Alternatively you can email [email protected].

Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.