Oldham woman knocked down by callous carjacker

An Oldham pensioner was robbed of her car and knocked down in the process.

Police launch appeal for witnesses following robbery.
Published 21st Apr 2016

Police are appealing for witnesses after a 79-year-old woman was carjacked and hit with the car in Oldham.

Shortly after 1.50pm on Wednesday 20 April 2016, police were called to a car park off Sandy Lane in Royton, Oldham to reports that a woman had had her car stolen and when making off with the car the offender had driven over her.

On arrival police found a 79-year-old woman with serious injuries, she is now being treated in hospital.

Witnesses have told police that man approached the woman as she got into her car, a white Hyundai i10. The man then told the woman he could see a problem with her car and that she needs to get out to have a look.

The woman got out of the car and bent down to see the problem and the man then jumped into her car and reversed at speed hitting the woman with the front of the car knocking her to the floor. The man then drove over the woman as she lay in the car’s path.

The man then drove away towards Rochdale Road in the direction of Rochdale.

The car has since been recovered in Buersil Avenue near the Turf Hill area of Rochdale however police are still searching for the man.

He has been described as white, in his mid-40s, of stocky build and wearing a light coloured long-sleeved top and dark trousers.

Detective Inspector Ian Harratt from GMP’s Oldham Division said: “This is one of the worst incidents I have had to investigate in a very long time.

"My thoughts are with the lady and her family. We are doing all that we can to support them and find the man responsible for this horrible crime.

"We are appealing for anyone who may have seen the incident or the car in the Royton and Rochdale areas or may know the man responsible to come and talk to police.

"Any information, no matter how small could be vital in our investigation.

“I am determined to bring this man to justice, how someone can do this to anyone, never mind a 79-year-old lady, I will never know.”

PL