A WOMAN was dragged from her vehicle by a thug during a frightening "car-jacking" in Unsworth.

After she was thrown to the ground in Pole Lane, her attacker roared off in the woman's Honda Accord.

And his accomplices also drove away from the scene in a blue Rover car.

Police are linking the incident with an earlier failed bid to steal a car in Whitefield.

The 40-year-old woman was sitting in the Honda at 6.10pm on Friday (March 16) when the Rover pulled up alongside.

Detective Sergeant Duncan Heywood of Bury's operational crime unit said: "Several men were in the Rover. One of the men got out, went over to the Honda and opened the car door. He then reached across and undid her seat belt before dragging her out." The Honda and the blue Rover then drove off. Police say that the stolen vehicle, registration number T440 BNM, is still missing.

Detectives are linking this to a similar incident which happened just five minutes earlier in Albert Close, Whitefield.

Police say that a 59-year-old man had just entered his Subaru car in a works car park when he was approached by a hammer-wielding thug.

Det Sgt Heywood added: "He struck the front window several times with the hammer, but it didn't break."

The driver was able to start the Subaru and then drove off.

Meanwhile, the thug was seen to get into a silver Ford Mondeo car, believed to have contained several other men. This vehicle was later found abandoned in Kenmore Drive, Whitefield.

Police are working on the theory that the incidents are linked.

They are now anxious to speak to anyone who has information. They should contact Bury operational police unit on 856 8157.