POLICE have been drafted in to patrol Bury’s town centre subways following the knifepoint mugging of a pensioner.

Officers from the Bury East Neighbourhood Policing Team are stepping up their presence and will pay particular attention to the subways near to Bury Market.

The move follows an attack by a robber on 72-year-old Shirley Heatley, who foughta back against the man who stole her bag in a subway leading from Spring Street to Market Street Town centre Sgt Chris Mannion said: “We already carry out regular patrols in the town centre. I am convinced that these extra patrols will disrupt criminal activity, allow us to gather important intelligence and allow visitors and shoppers to feel safe and secure as they go about their daily business.”

Officers are also utilising more than 30 CCTV cameras that cover the town centre to keep a watchful eye on vulnerable areas to both deter and detect crime. The operation comes after Mrs Heatley was grabbed by the throat when she walked through the subway.

She fought back against the robber who then pulled out a knife and used it to slash the straps on her handbag.

During the struggle, Mrs Heatley fell to the ground and injured her arm. She got back up and tried to chase the robber, but he escaped with an accomplice.

Sgt Mannion said: “Taking a few simple steps can make people less of a target for street robbers.

“Be extra alert, and try to stick to busy or well-lit areas. Keep valuables hidden and secrete them in different pockets or bags around your person.”

He added: “I would also urge people to be particularly wary when getting money from a cashpoint.”