MANCHESTER

Would-be mugger attacks elderly woman before being chased away by taxi driver

Shocking footage shows a would-be robber wrestling an elderly woman to the ground as he tries to steal her gold bangles before being chased from the scene.

Police released the footage in a bid to find the attacker who targeted the woman in her 70s in Fallowfield, Manchester, shortly after midday on May 9.

The suspect was riding past on a bicycle when he got off and tried to snatch the jewellery from the woman's wrists.

A taxi driver who saw the attack managed to pull his car over and chase the man away on-foot.

He then alerted another taxi driver to the attack but the offender was able to escape on his bike.

The would-be thief didn't manage to steal any items from the woman.

Greater Manchester Police said the suspected thief is described as white, of skinny build and aged in his early 20s.

Constable Daniel Cox of GMP’s City of Manchester Division called the incident "a shocking attack on an elderly woman, carried out in broad daylight in full view of other members of the public.

“I’d like to thank the passing taxi driver whose quick-thinking actions meant this brazen offender didn’t manage to steal anything.

“We know that everyone in the community will share our disgust at this incident.

"While the elderly woman was left with only superficial bruising to her wrist and pain to her hip, the psychological effects of crimes such as this can be considerable.

“We’re confident that there are several people who saw this crime take place.

"There are also likely to be witnesses who saw the offender on his bike shortly before and after the incident."

https://www.itv.com/news/2019-05-28/mugger-caught-on-cctv-trying-to-steal-jewellery-before-being-chased-away-by-taxi-driver/
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 SWANSEA

A former taxi driver from Swansea has pleaded guilty to multiple child rapes.

Vincent Matthews, of Cwrt Cilmeri, Morriston, admitted six counts of raping a girl under 13 and two counts of attempted anal rape on the same victim.

He appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday for a plea hearing in front of Judge Paul Thomas QC.

Judge Thomas told the court he wanted a report into 56-year-old Matthews before sentencing him.

He added he wanted to establish whether the defendant should be classed as a dangerous offender - a definition in law which will impact on the length and form of sentence.

Sentencing was adjourned to June 21.

The defendant, who was represented by barrister Susan Ferrier, was further remanded into custody until that date.

https://bit.ly/2KbeEmT
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BURNLEY

Police are appealing for information after a taxi driver was robbed at knifepoint in Burnley.

Police were called around 12-30am yesterday (Monday, May 27th) following reports of an incident in Talbot Street.

A taxi driver had been waiting for a fare when a man opened the passenger door and sat down in the car.

The man, who had approached from Ormerod Road wearing a face covering and carrying a knife, threatened the driver, taking his mobile phone and £70. He then made off towards Brown Square in the direction of the canal, with the victim uninjured.

Detectives are investigating and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

DC Phil Scott, of Burnley CID, said: “We have launched an investigation following a knifepoint robbery in Burnley. The taxi driver was threatened and had cash and a mobile phone stolen.

“Did you see what happened, or see anyone acting unusually in the area around the time of the offence? Please come forward if you can help with our enquiries.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 01282 472932 or email 3969@lancashire.pnn.police.uk quoting log 0056 of May 27.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be reached anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.