A 70-YEAR-OLD woman had two weeks' pension and her shopping snatched by a man as she walked home through a ginnel.

It happened near the post office in Newchurch Road, Stacksteads at 11.10am on Friday.

Police saidthe victim wsshocked by the attack but unharmed.

The woman had just collected her pension after doing some shopping. She was approached by the man who grabbed her bag and, after a slight struggle, ran off.

The man is described as white, in his early 20s, 5ft 10in and slim.

DS Andy Gilbert of Rossendale CID, said: "We are appealing for witnesses and would like to stress to people, especially older people to be aware and vigilant of this man."

He added: "This man could be local. If he has done it once he is probably going to do it again."

If anyone has any information they should contact DS Gilbert on 01706 237440.