Witness appeal following attempted robbery in Market Drayton
Police officers are appealing for information after a man attempted to rob a woman in Market Drayton yesterday.
The incident occurred as she walked her two dogs in the Walkmill Meadow Nature Reserve off Summer Hill Gardens, Market Drayton, having entered the area from Walkmill Road.
When she reached the rear of the Severn Trent Sewage Treatment Plant she noticed a man walking towards her from the opposite direction (Bottom Lane).
As he approached her he asked if she had any money. Moments after they passed each other the male grabbed her by the hair. He then asked her for money and she repeated that she hadn't got any. The dogs then began barking at the male and the woman tried to break free from his grip. The male then flung her to the floor and ran off in the direction he had come from (Bottom Lane).
The lady was not injured and no property was taken but she was shaken up by the ordeal.
The offender is described as white, male, aged 17 to 20 years, 5'8" tall, skinny build but with broad shoulders, unwashed and very grubby looking, unshaven with stubble but not a full beard, short dark hair. He had distinctive body odour.
The police are also keen to speak to a dog walker who passed by the victim before the incident took place and may have seen the offender. The dog walker is described as a white male aged about 60 to 70 years with grey hair. He was wearing a bright red waterproof jacket and had two collie dogs with him. When he met the lady he engaged with her and offered her dogs some treats.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen a man of this description in the area. Anyone who has any information is advised to all police on 101, quoting reference 196 of 25 May 2015. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers.org.uk
