Witness appeal - robbery, Eccleston Park, St Helens
A Police Community Support Officer holding their radio
Merseyside Police is appealing for information following a robbery in the Eccleston Park area of St Helens on October 27, 2009.
At around 1pm a man and his wife, both aged in their 80s, were getting out of their car outside their home in New Road following a trip to the local tip when they were approached by two youths.
One of the youths tried to grab the handbag of the woman from the husband's shoulder as he helped her out of the car. Following a brief struggle the handle of the bag snapped and the man was knocked to the floor.
The two offenders fled the scene on foot with the handbag, which was black and contained a quantity of cash, towards Burrows Lane.
They are described as being white, aged between 16 and 17, of slim build and around 5ft 5ins tall. Both were wearing light-coloured trousers. One was wearing a light-coloured top, the other a dark-coloured top.
The male victim suffered a small scrape to his knee and both victims were left shaken and distressed by their ordeal.
Despicable attack
Detectives are appealing for anyone who witnessed the robbery or saw two youths matching this description in the area at the time of the offence to come forward.
DC Ellie Devers of St Helens CID, said: "This was a despicable attack on an elderly couple who were getting out of their car after a trip to the tip. The offenders waited until the husband was helping his wife out the car to try and snatch her handbag from him. When he resisted he was knocked to the floor and injured, although fortunately not more seriously. The bag contained some of their money and several personal items and we are determined to do all we can to catch those responsible."
Anyone with information is asked to call St Helens CID on 0151 777 1576.
