A COUNCILLOR who was robbed in broad daylight and thrown to the ground wants others to be vigilant while police hunt for her attacker.

Cllr Yvonne Wright, of Tottington Ward, was walking back to her car after enjoying lunch with a friend in Ramsbottom town centre when she was attacked on March 9 at about 4.30pm.

A passenger in a nearby car waiting at a set of traffic lights leapt out of the vehicle to chase the thief who ran off with Cllr Wright’s handbag.

Cllr Wright said: “It appears CCTV shows the mugger followed me around Ramsbottom, wearing a black jacket with a hood.

“Several motorists witnessed the incident and a brave young man chased the mugger and retrieved my handbag, although my iPad and purse with cash were missing.

“The incident occurred in daylight at around 4.30pm in the afternoon on a narrow passage of footpath facing the Urn and I fell into the road towards oncoming traffic.

“I was very fortunate not to be more seriously injured.

“This is a very rare incident in Ramsbottom and I want this to be a warning to others to be vigilant.”

Cllr Wright suffered damaged tendons in her shoulder and ripped her coat after falling into the road. She has been attending physiotherapy since the incident.

The offender stole Cllr Wright's purse and an iPad before throwing her bag away, which was discovered by the man who chased him.

She added: “I have been into Ramsbottom since and actually went in the day after. I’m a strong lady and I’m not going to let it break my nerve but I want women to be aware.

"If this man can do it in broad daylight and get away, it's worrying to think he could easily attack again."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “A 23-year-old man was arrested and released without charge."