A religious woman who was hospitalised after an attempted mugging outside the Shefa Mehadrin Kosher Deli in north Manchester is appealing with police for information which can lead to her attackers’ arrest.

Despite 14 witnesses to the incident on Tuesday of last week, police have not caugh the two men, described as white, in their 20s and dressed in dark clothing.

The 55-year-old victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said she had been determined not to give in to the robbers. “Why should they have my bag? I didn’t expect them to fist me in the face three times.” The men ran off empty handed across Bury New Road and up Sedgley Park Road.

Bury-based PC Gavin Brien said: “This was a nasty attack on a lone woman who suffered facial injuries and was left badly shaken. I would urge anyone who saw anything that might help us catch those responsible to contact me.”