Police issue information appeal after 'terrifying' burglary at house of woman who was celebrating her 77th birthday

Greater Manchester Police officers have appealed for further information after an elderly woman was 'shockingly' burgled on Christmas Eve in north Manchester.

On the evening of Christmas Eve at around 6pm, officers received a report of a burglary at a property on Saxon Street.

Officers attended the scene and discovered the burglary had taken place at the property where a 77-year-old woman resides.

The victim told officers she heard a loud bang from the rear of her home while watching television.

Investigating the noise, she was confronted by three men who forcibly entered through the smashed rear patio doors.

One of the intruders made the victim stay in the kitchen with him, while the other two proceeded to search the property for about five minutes.

Subsequently, the three intruders fled the property, and the victim immediately contacted the police.

It was later revealed that the incident occurred on the victim's 77th birthday and the three suspects took the victims handbag containing £50 in cash, her bank card, bus pass, and various personal items.

The three male suspects were described as wearing all-black attire, including black hats.

The individual who stood with the victim during the ordeal was estimated to be around 6 feet tall, wearing a black hat, jacket, trousers, and gloves.

Officers are now appealing to the public for any information regarding the incident.

They are particularly interested in gathering CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage that could aid in identifying and locating those responsible.

Officers also want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or any suspicious activity in the area.

Detective Sergeant Terina Arthern, of GMP’s North Manchester Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: “Of course, this incident will rightly cause concern in the local community and our thoughts remain with the victim and her loved ones as she continues to recover from this ordeal.

"Understandably, the victim, who is also an elderly woman, is now terrified and fearful within her own home.

"On what should have been a day of celebration for her 77th birthday and Christmas Eve, she was confronted by three unknown males who shockingly stripped away her personal belongings from her own home.

"Our officers are continuing to provide support to the victim and her loved ones, offering reassurance and tailored assistance to ensure she regains a sense of safety and security.

"I also want to provide some further reassurance to the community that we’re doing all we can to identify those responsible and bring them to justice as soon as possible and pursuing all lines of enquiry.

"We are appealing to the public in the local area who may have seen suspicious activity around the time of the incident as your information may be vital in locating the offenders.

"If you were in the vicinity of Saxon Street, just off Bradford Road in Manchester, and witnessed any suspicious behaviour by the described men or a vehicle acting strangely in the vicinity, we urge you to come forward.

"Even the smallest piece of information, whether from doorbell footage, CCTV recordings, or eyewitness accounts, may help us piece together the events before and after this shocking incident.”

You can report information directly to GMP regarding this incident by calling 0161 856 3955 or 101 quoting log 2411 of 24/12/2023.

You can also report information online using the ‘report’ tool or the LiveChat function on the website: www.gmp.police.uk

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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