POLICE investigating the death of a Sale woman last week believe she may have been robbed as she lay dying in an alleyway.

Lindsay Plumb, 47, from Temple Road, was found collapsed and unconscious in an alleyway off Hampson Street in Sale Moor on Friday January 14 at around 12.50am.

She died at Wythenshawe Hospital a short time later.

Police investigating her death believe that Lindsay’s handbag, silver Nokia mobile phone and other personal items may have been stolen while she was collapsed.

Lindsay had spent the evening drinking in the Legh Arms Pub on Northenden Road with her husband and CCTV footage shows she left carrying her handbag.

But when she was found her handbag was gone and further CCTV images show that two men on bikes approached her as she lay collapsed on the ground before riding away.

The images, from around 12.35am, do not show the men taking the bag but it was missing when paramedics arrived.

Detective Inspector Frank Morris appealed for information about the men on bikes.

“I would be absolutely appalled if they came across a collapsed woman in the street and, instead of going to her aid, decided to steal her handbag.

“I’m sure that every right thinking member of the community, and even members of the criminal fraternity, will be appalled by such disgraceful behaviour,” he said.

A post mortem examination has proved inconclusive but ruled that injuries to the side of her face were consistent with a fall or push.

Her death is not thought to be suspicious but an investigation is continuing.

Lindsay had left the pub to go to nearby Pany’s chip shop for food with her husband, but when he left the shop he noticed she was not with him and searched the area before finding her collapsed on Hampson Street.

Lindsay’s family have paid tribute to her and said she was a devoted wife, mum, sister and friend who will be greatly missed by all.

“We want to thank everyone for their support at this difficult time, we are overwhelmed by people’s kindness,” they said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 6145 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.