Police hunt thief who stole pensioner’s car and ran her over as he tried to escape
A PENSIONER has been left hospitalised after a thief stole her car and ran her over as they tried to get away.
Police are hunting the thief
The 79-year-old woman suffered serious injuries during the ordeal when the man drove over her as she lay in the vehicle's path.
The woman got out of her white Hyundai i10 after being approached by the thief – who told her there was a problem with her car.
But as she checked to see what was wrong, the man jumped into the car, reversed and knocked the pensioner over.
He then ran over her in the Oldham car park, in Greater Manchester.
Police are trying to trace the man behind the "horrible crime", which happened on Wednesday.
The pensioner (not pictured) was left with serious injures after she was run over by the theif
This is one of the worst incidents I have had to investigate in a very long time
The car was later recovered at Buersil Avenue near the Turf Hill area of Rochdale.
The man is described as white, in his mid-40s, of stocky build and he was wearing a light long-sleeved top and dark trousers
Detective Inspector Ian Harratt said: "This is one of the worst incidents I have had to investigate in a very long time.
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"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.
She was taken to hospital following the ordeal
"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."