A WOMAN fought off a would-be robber by slapping him across the face when he tried to snatch her handbag.

Police praised the bravery of the 54-year-old victim who was attacked as she walked along Briercliffe Road, Burnley, on her way home from a friend’s house.

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The attack happened shortly after midnight on Saturday near to the bus stop by Haydock Street, leaving the victim ‘terrified’.

Detective sergeant Alisa Wilson, from Burnley CID, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim and she displayed a tremendous amount of bravery.”

The victim was grabbed from behind by the attacker who tried to take her bag.

There was a brief struggle, but the woman managed to fight the man off by slapping him to the right side of his face. He ran off empty-handed.

The attacker was described as being a white man.

Cllr Trish Ellis, who represents the Lanehead ward, said she was shocked to hear about the attack and hoped that the attacker would be caught quickly.

She said: “It is very concerning that this has happened in my ward but it sounds like this woman has shown incredible bravery in the case.

“I will be very interested to know how the police are following it up, but I am sure they are doing their very best to catch the person responsible.

“My thoughts go out to the victim, who I hope is recovering well at home with friends and family.”

DS Wilson appealed for anyone who might be able to help police with their inquiries to get in touch, adding: “I would urge anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or who knows the identity of her attacker to contact police.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log reference 46 of March 7 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org No personal details are taken.

Information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.