A WOMAN hospitalised after being attacked by a mugger has paid tribute to the TV policeman who came to her rescue.

Jeanette Banfield, 74, was left helpless on the pavement in Olivia Drive, Leigh, after a robber ambushed her on her way home after a night out.

Her neighbour, actor Ryan Philpott, who regularly plays a policeman in EastEnders heard her cries for help as he walked home from the pub.

Mrs Banfield, joked: "I would have preferred George Clooney, but he was unavailable.

"Ryan managed to pick me up and used his mobile phone to call my daughter, who lives round the corner."

Mr Philpott, 34, said he kept Mrs Banfield talking until her family arrived.

He added: "Anyone would have done what I did. But it's scary to think what may have happened if I hadn't been there."

Mrs Banfield is now back home recovering, after being treated for a broken wrist and a cut above her left eye.

Anyone with any information about the attack, at 11.45pm on Tuesday April 22, can call investigating officers at Leigh CID on 0300 3334444, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.