Shock at pensioner’s gun threat horror

The 65-year-old woman was returning to her car, parked on Station Square car park in Lytham, when she was approached by a man in his 40’s.

Armed with what appeared to be a handgun, the thief made threats and demanded her handbag at around 2.30pm on Thursday.

Residents today praised the brave actions of the victim who fought off the attacker and chased him when he ran off through towards Agnew Street.

Lytham resident Cath Powell said: “I’m really shocked and I think everyone is really.

“While we have had these raids, to have an attack on an individual is very rare in Lytham, and for it to happen in broad daylight is shocking.”

Simon Malings, landlord of The Station Tavern, on Station Square, said: “I think people are shocked more than anything, it’s just complete disbelief.

“This was opportunistic but it’s certainly changed things.

“It was broad daylight, it’s the audacity of it.

“You are sort of on edge, more aware of your surroundings.” A shop worker at Cudworth’s of Lytham, on nearby Hastings Place, said: “It’s a bit frightening. There’s been a lot of robberies so it’s a bit unnerving.”

The 65-year-old victim has been praised by her neighbours for putting up a fight.

Mr Malings said: “Every credit to her, she was probably very shocked afterwards.”

Police are now appealing for anyone with information a to contact them.

The thief is described white, approximately 40-years-old, of slim build with short grey hair.

He was wearing a dark coloured bomber jacket and blue jeans. Anyone with information or saw anything suspicous should call police on 101.

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