A BURY man who mugged an 89-year-old woman has gone on the run from prison.

Andrew Chadfield of no fixed abode, walked out of HMP Kirkham open prison on June 17, which is believed to have been within hours of his transfer from a secure unit. He may have returned to the Bury area.

He has served just four months of a five-year sentence, imposed in January at Bolton Crown Court.

The court was told that on July 24, 2004, Chadfield (21) was one of two men who mugged the pensioner as she was walking along Orptington Drive. They stole her handbag. The victim fell to the floor and suffered several injuries including a fracture to her hip, severe bruising to her arm, cuts to her arm and hand and grazing to her elbow.

Due to the nature of his attack, police are desperately keen to locate Chadfield.

Detective Sergeant Dave Baines, said: "This was a particularly nasty attack on a vulnerable person and I would urge anyone who knows Chadfield's whereabouts to contact us so we can return him to prison to complete his sentence."

As a result of the mugging the pensioner now lives in a residential home.

Anyone who knows where Chadfield may be is asked to contact the Priority Crime Unit on 856 0902.