[P]OLICE are appealing for witnesses after an elderly man was robbed and injured in Lancaster yesterday morning (Wednesday, January 24th).
The incident happened at around 11am after the victim, 80, left the Nationwide Building Society on Market Street after withdrawing cash.
He was walking with the assistance of a frame along Gage Street near to Ladbrokes and the Collegian Working Men’s Club, when he was approached from behind by a man who stared rifling through his pockets and pushed him to the ground. The offender got away with the cash and ran off.
A nearby member of the public went to help the victim who was lying on the floor. He was taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary with a suspected broken hip.
DI Bev Mason from Lancaster Police said: “This poor defenceless elderly man had just been to withdraw some money when he was attacked.
“We know that this happened during a busy time of day in the town centre and that there were people about near to where it happened. If you have any information that you think could help, please get in contact with us.”
A 48-year-old man from Lancaster was arrested on suspicion of robbery shortly after the incident and remains in police custody.
You can call Lancashire Police on 101 quoting incident number LC-20180124-0433. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.