A MAN aged 29 was due to appear before magistrates today accused of trying to rape a 77-year-old pensioner.

Jason Anthony Hargreaves, of no fixed address, was arrested by detectives in Bury just hours after the alleged attempted rape at 7am yesterday.

He was charged with one count of attempted rape late yesterday afternoon and was due to make a first appearance at Bury Magistrates Court today.

The alleged victim was walking along Lower Woodhill Road, Bury, yesterday morning when she was attacked and pushed to the floor.

The 77-year-old was taken to Fairfield General Hospital where she received treatment for facial injuries. She was released later the same day.

Hargreaves was arrested and taken to Bury Police Custody Office, where he was kept this morning awaiting his court appearance.

The pensioner was being comforted by her family today.