Sometime between 2.15am and 2.35am on Saturday 13 August 2011, a 68-year-old woman was nearing her home on Highnam, Walk, Woodhouse Park, having been at a friend’s house.

The offender approached her from behind and grabbed her handbag.

Following a brief struggle, in which the woman’s fingers were bent backwards, the thief ran off with the bag towards Painswick Park.

He is described as being between 5ft6in and 5ft 8in tall, of slim build and dressed in dark clothing.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to a broken hand.

The bag and contents minus some cash from the woman’s purse was found hidden in bushes outside a house on Painswick Road.

Detective Constable Dave Bigger, of West Didsbury CID, said: “This cowardly thief has targeted a lone pensioner in the early hours of the morning for the sake of a few pounds.

“I want to hear from anyone who knows who is responsible, saw what happened or saw the offender hide the bag on Painswick Road.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 6153, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.