Car-jacker mows down woman, 79

Photo: Darren Robinson

Precinct car park off Sandy Lane in Royton

A 79-year-old woman was run over by a callous car jacker as he stole her vehicle in Oldham.

The thief tricked the pensioner into believing her car had a fault before stealing it as she got out to check — hitting her with the vehicle then driving over her as he sped off. The victim suffered serious injuries and is currently being treated in hospital.

The horrific incident happened at 1.50pm yesterday in a car park off Sandy Lane in Royton.

Witnesses told police that a man approached the woman as she got into her white Hyundai i10.

The man then told the woman he could see a problem with her car and that she needed to get out to have a look.

The woman got out of the car and bent down to see the problem and the man then jumped into her car and reversed at speed, hitting the woman with the front of the car knocking her to the ground. The man then drove over the woman as she lay in the car’s path.

He drove away towards Rochdale Road in the direction of Rochdale.

The car has since been recovered in Buersil Avenue near the Turf Hill area of Rochdale, however police are still searching for the thief.

He has been described as white, in his mid-40s, of stocky build and wearing a light coloured long-sleeved top and dark trousers.

Det Insp Ian Harratt, from GMP’s Oldham Division, said: “This is one of the worst incidents I have had to investigate in a very long time.

“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.

“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.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161-856 8906 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.