THE heartbroken family of a woman of 76 who died after a robber pushed her over have appealed for help to catch her `cowardly' attacker.
Freda Seaton broke her hip and banged her head when she was shoved to the ground as she walked back from shops near her Newton Heath home.
She had an operation but never recovered and died in hospital on August 30, 19 days after the attack.
Her son, David Seaton, 52, said: "She was a lovely woman. She was my world. She had loads and loads of friends. It's been devastating for everyone who knew her.
"We need to catch this bloke, it's not right. If anyone has any information, please come forward. This guy has got to be a coward."
Freda, of Wallis Street, was a wages clerk and then worked at Morrisons supermarket in Failsworth before she retired. She was a big Manchester United fan.
She was robbed walking home along Loring Street at about 12.50pm on August 11.
The thug shoved her from behind and grabbed her bag - which contained just £37 - leaving her on the ground until a passer-by saw her and called an ambulance.
The thief was about 5ft 6in and dressed all in grey.
Freda's sister, Lynne Smith, 60, said: "She lived in Newton Heath all her life. She was born and bred there. Everyone loved her. She was like my second mum, fiercely protective. No-one is going to take her place.
"To see her go through that was just devastating. She was just hopeful the police would catch him, so it wouldn't happen to anyone else."
Anyone who saw the attack or Freda's black shopping bag, which contained her purse, custard powder, a can of fly spray, a prescription and a library card, is urged to come forward.
dean.kirby@men-news.co.uk
Plea to find 'coward' who hit Freda, 76
September 11, 2007
Freda Seaton
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Just what is happening in Newton Heath? This historic area who schools and people educated, Alf Morris now Lord Morris of Manchester and creator of the Mobility Scheme the envy of the world, Michael Atherton Captain of England, Judy Finnegan Journalist and TV Presenter, Actor's Michael La Vel, John Henshaw, footballer Ronnie Wallwork. The suffragist Hannah Mitchell (autobiography, "The Hard Way Up”) the list of the people who were born and schooled in Newton Heath, achieved or are achieving in life goes on, and one, could easily fill books with the rich history that is accredited to Newton Heath. The heartless cowardly murder of one its Ladies Mrs Freda Seaton has lead many of its good people to write to the authorities, demanding to know just what is happening within in their parish. Those now living abroad or outside of Newton Heath are demanding to know how at 12:50pm on a bright Saturday afternoon a Lady, can be attack. Drug addict have been allow to sit and beg on the once clean and nicest high street. Outside the market gangs of youths openly sell illegal goods outside in full view of the Police Station, despite countless complains from concerned residence over the years. A man who was convicted in the criminal court for fraud. Having the audasscity to say he will represent the people, when everyone knows after reading reports in the Evening news some years ago. To stand for public office a person had to be upstanding. The killing of Freda Seaton and the way this 76 year old was murdered could happen to anyone. If as a community we write to the M.P the Council and the Police as so many people already have, we may help fore fill, the wishes of Mrs Freda Seaten who from her hospital bed pleaded through the press that the person who had done this to her be captured. Therefore, that he could not do it to someone else, that is how Freda was, always thinking about others. May we send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to her family and friends? People have a duty to help to catch the vermin that murdered this wonderful woman.
to fredas family.sorry about your loss.i called police with information last week.officer has just cancelled coming to see me for the third time.Saw 2 lads at call box on droylsden rd.one answered description.heard them say 'were outside Robin hood pub.one in grey was agitated.Time was right but unfortunatly im not sure of exact day,or should I say Ive now forgotten day and most annoying of all ,face. sorry.Investigation is farce.
tricia jonson (11/09/2007 at 15:31)