A PENSIONER brushed off a thief who tried to snatch her handbag in Bury on Saturday (Feb 8) afternoon.

The 83-year-old woman was approached by a man at 3pm in Chislehurst Close who engaged her in conversation before making a grab for her handbag.

However, the woman managed to keep hold of it and the thief fled empty-handed.

The offender was white, 5ft 9ins tall, slim, with pale skin and possibly a hair-lip. He was wearing a navy blue anorak and bright white trainers.

Detectives in Bury can be contacted on 856 8150.