Detectives in Harrogate are appealing for information after a woman was robbed at a cash point on Skipton Road.
The victim, a 63-year-old local woman, was using the ATM outside the HSBC bank at around 5am today (Friday 7 January 2011), when she was approached by a man who hit her several times, with what is believed to be a brick, before snatching her handbag.
Following the incident the suspect made off in the direction of the Skipton public house before turning onto Church Avenue.
The victim sustained head injuries in the attack and was taken to Harrogate District Hospital for treatment. However, her injuries were not serious and she has since been discharged.
Police, who have recovered the victim’s brown leather bag, are now carrying out forensic tests and reviewing CCTV footage in the area as efforts to trace the offender continue.
He has been described as white, around 6ft tall, aged in his early 20s, with a slim build and a long face. He was dressed in dark clothing.
Detective Inspector Heather Pearson, of Harrogate CID, said: “This would appear to be a particularly vicious attack on a 63-year-old woman who is lucky not to have been seriously hurt.
“I am appealing for anyone who knows who is responsible for this cowardly act to contact the police or Crimestoppers immediately.
“I would also like to hear from anyone who was in the area between the hours of 3am and 5.30am and anyone else with information that could help the investigation.”
There is currently a scene guard at the bank which will remain in place as police enquiries continue.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or can provide information that can help the police with their enquiries is urged to contact Harrogate CID on 0845 60 60 24 7, quoting reference number NYP-07012011-0055.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
