Brave woman fights off yob during violent attempted robbery in Blackpool

The 21-year-old was walking along Benedict Drive last Saturday March 24 just after 8am when she noticed a man cycling towards her.

Police say the man attempted to grab the woman's bag from her shoulder but the young woman desperately clung on dislocating her shoulder in the process.

The man got off his bike and approached the woman again and during the ensuing struggle the woman also dislocated her left elbow.

The would-be thief is then reported to have kneed the woman in the stomach before cycling off towards a nearby housing estate.

He is described as white, in his mid-40s, around six ft tall, with a slim build. Police say he has a scruffy dark brown beard with patches of grey.

He was wearing an old and worn black Adidas hoody with an “Adidas Logo” in large white print on the front, and black baggy jeans that were torn at the bottom to the back. He was also wearing white mud stained converse style pumps.

The bike is described as a green mountain style bike with thick tyres and a bell.

Detective Constable Adam Jussub, of Blackpool CID, said: “This must have been a terrifying incident for the victim and she has been left with some serious injuries. I would appeal to anyone who has any information or who recognises the description of this man to come forward and contact police.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 0821 of March 24th, or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.