A CALLOUS robber knocked a 73-year-old woman to the ground - then tried to rip rings from her fingers as she lay hurt and dazed.
Police today branded the crime as "atrocious" and have urged people to come forward with information.
The victim was waiting for a bus in Whiteley Street, Milnsbridge, at the junction with Tanyard Road, at 10.15am yesterday.
She was approached by the thief, who grabbed her handbag.
She tried to keep hold of it, but during the tussle he knocked her to the ground.
She banged her head as she fell and suffered a nasty cut to the back of her head.
Sgt Tim O'Sullivan, of Huddersfield police, said: "The robber then ran off with the handbag, but came back to the victim.
"Rather than showing any sign of remorse or care for her, he tried to pull the rings from her fingers."
The thief failed to get the rings off and then fled with the handbag.
Sgt O'Sullivan added: "This happened on a Sunday morning and people must have seen what was happening, or the thief running away.
"This was an atrocious attack. The victim suffered a nasty cut which needed stitches.
"Some youngsters went to help and comfort her just after the attack and we would like to thank them for their kindness.
"The victim has been left badly traumatised by her ordeal.
"If anyone has any idea who this robber is, we would urge them to come forward with names."
The mugger is white, aged between 20 and 30, 5ft 9in tall and slim, with dark stubble on his face.
He wore a black and white New York Yankees baseball cap and a crew top with drawstrings at the top.
He also wore black jeans, black shoes and carried a clear plastic drawstring bag.
Anyone with information should phone Pc Ian Thornes at Huddersfield CID on 01484 436582.
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