Man wanted for allegedly stealing purse from dying woman, 82, who was killed by lorry

Detective says it is 'one of the most disgusting crimes' he has ever investigated

Leigh Road in Leigh, where the collision occurred (Google)

A man who allegedly stole the purse of an elderly woman as she lay dying in the street following a collision with a lorry is being hunted by police.

The 82-year-old woman was involved in a fatal collision with the heavy goods vehicle on Wednesday in Leigh, Greater Manchester, and police were called to Leigh Road at 11.45am shortly before she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s relatives, who do not wish to release her identity, have been informed and an inquest into her death will be opened, police said.

A Serious Collision Investigation unit is currently looking into the cause of the incident, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said.

Witnesses described the suspected thief who is said to have stolen her purse as being white, 6ft tall and between 30 to 40 years old.

He is also described as being of medium build, with a dark brown beard. He wore a light grey hooded top with the hood pulled over his head, light blue jeans and black boot style training shoes, police said.

Detective Sergeant Neil Lawless said: “This is one of the most disgusting crimes I have ever investigated and I find it hard to believe someone could stop so low to commit such a horrific offence.

“This man has taken what he sees as an easy opportunity by stealing a purse from a dying woman. I am sure the community will be equally disgusted and I appeal to anyone who may have seen this man take the purse and walk off on Leigh Road.”

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