Callous robber pushed elderly man off bike so hard his helmet cracked

Callous robber pushed an elderly man off his bike so hard that his helmet cracked, before stealing from him as he lay injured on the ground.

The 70-year-old was cycling along Laughton Common Road, in the direction of Thurcroft, Rotherham, and was around 100 yards away from the cemetery, when a passenger travelling in a blue Ford Fiesta leaned out of his car window and pushed him of his electric bike.

While he lay on the floor unable to move, the passenger got out of the car and stole the man's bike.

The incident happened shortly before 9am yesterday, Wednesday, January 27.

Detective Inspector Nina Jackson, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “I am appealing for anyone who witnessed this or a 54 plate Ford Fiesta in the Thurcroft / Laughton area yesterday morning to get in touch. I’d also urge drivers who were travelling through the area to check their dash cam footage to see if they captured the vehicle on video. I am keen to identify and speak to the two men in connection with this incident.

“This was a particularly nasty assault in which an elderly man was pursued and targeted. Thankfully, he has suffered no life altering injuries, however he was left incredibly shaken. His helmet was also cracked which suggests he was pushed with severe force."

Anyone with information is urged to call South Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting log 197 of January 27.