23 December 2012 Last updated at 13:05 ET

Salford woman, 86, robbed of casino winnings

An 86-year-old woman has been robbed by a mugger of her life savings and money she won at a casino.

Greater Manchester Police said the woman's bag was snatched as she returned home from a night out at a casino around 02:35 GMT on Sunday.

The woman, who kept her savings in a bag for fear of burglaries, was robbed on Grosvenor Street in Swinton.

She had caught a taxi home after winning cash at a casino on Cromwell Road, Salford.

Police said the thief grabbed the white satchel handbag from her shoulder and ran off towards Worsley Street.

PC Michelle Ingham said: "This was a particular cruel robbery on a vulnerable, lone, elderly woman who had been enjoying a night out at the casino and was returning home with a large amount of cash in her handbag.

"She kept her life savings with her because she was afraid her home would be burgled while she was out, but sadly has fallen victim to just such a crime by a despicable and callous thief.

"As a result, she now faces not just a bleak Christmas but an uncertain future beyond that."