Manchester Pensioner Attacked At Grave

19 May 2014, 17:57 | Updated: 19 May 2014, 18:08

Terry Boyle, 68, was tending his parents grave on Saturday when he was attacked and robbed.

He was doing what he does most weekends, tending his parents grave in Gorton.  This Saturday was different as it was the 19th anniversary of his mothers death.

Terry was just finishing tidying when he was grabbed around his neck from behind, pulled back, whilst a hand went into his back pocket and took my wallet: "I turned to struggle, we fell backwards onto the road where he warned me to let go else he would punch me, which he did anyway, he punched me twice in the face."

The former labourer was taken to hospital where he's waiting to hear if he has had his nose broken.

Terry's told Heart he will still go to his parent's grave, but with more caution: "I'll be on edge, I'll certainly not have my back turned for so long.  That's what got me, I didn't hear a thing, even when he was that close."

The offender is described as white, of stocky build and aged between 35 and 40. He was about 5ft 8in tall and had short brown hair and had a 'scruffy' appearance. He was wearing blue stonewash jeans and a navy jumper.

Detective Constable Michael O'Connor, said: "The victim was tending to his mother's grave on the anniversary of her death when inexplicably the offender has attacked and robbed him from behind.

"To attack a man at a graveside is an appalling act of cowardice and the actions of the person responsible smack of absolute desperation.

"I would encourage anyone with information about this incident of the offender, no matter how small that piece of information might be, to call the police in complete confidence.

"This man needs to be caught and brought to justice and with the public's help I am hopeful we can do that."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3521, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.