A 91-YEAR-OLD was punched in the face and robbed by a young woman in Bolton town centre.

The attack happened just before 8.50am this morning as the victim was walking down Moor Lane.

She was approached by a woman in her twenties, who hit her in the face and snatched her purse before running away towards Paderborn Court.

The woman is described as white and of slim build and was wearing a grey woollen hat, grey trousers and a short, dark-coloured coat.

Police are appealing for information and witnesses to the “contemptible” crime and said the elderly woman is “extremely distressed”.

The attack happened as thousands of people flocked to the town centre for the Ironkids fun runs, which began at 8am this morning.

Detective Inspector Martin Reddington said: “This was a targeted attack on a woman in her nineties, who the offender knew wouldn’t be able to defend herself.

“Targeting an elderly lady in this way is a contemptible and cowardly thing to do and I would urge anyone who knows the identity of the person responsible to call us.

“Fortunately, the woman was not seriously injured but she is understandably extremely distressed by what happened.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed what happened and if you have any information at all, I would ask that you contact police."

Anyone with information should phone the police on 856 5608,101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.