Shameless

100-year-old woman and boy, 4, attacked in shocking separate incidents

A 100-YEAR-OLD woman and a four-year-old boy have been attacked in separate incidents in their own homes.

In Royton, a grandma spoke of her shocking ordeal as she and her four-year-old grandson were attacked by machete-wielding thugs.

While in another part of Oldham, a 100-year-old woman was slapped by a robber who had attempted to steal her handbag — while she slept.

In the first case, Ladene Thorpe had been babysitting at Seatoller Court, Royton, when three men wearing black hoodies burst into the house at 8.10pm on Monday.

Her daughter’s boyfriend, Jack Kelso (20) was due to go out but had decided to quickly set up a computer game for the youngster to play on, while Ms Thorpe brought some washing in.

But as she closed the front door behind her, yobs charged in. One swung for her with a big metal chain.

The thugs whipped her arm before demanding she hand over all her money. They threatened Mr Kelso with a machete.

They then hoisted up the bed — with the boy still in it — sending him sprawling.

Ms Thorpe (44) said: “It was absolutely awful. It’s really messed up my grandson. They wouldn’t let me get my grandson out of the bedroom at first. They were kicking-off with us. One of them hit me with a chain — like a big dog leash — across my arm.

“They just kept shouting ‘where’s the money’. They tried to take my phone but I wouldn’t give it up — I was calling 999.”

Mr Kelso was left with a large bump to his head and a swollen lip.

Inspector Karen Taylor said: “It was a horrific attack, especially when there was a child present, but as always Royton and Shaw police have been working extremely hard to bring these offenders to justice. I am proud of how hard my team worked that night and because of our pro-activity, we believe we have traced a car linked to the offenders.

“If anyone has information about this incident they can contact our team on 0161-856 8983.”

Meanwhile, at a Manchester Road residential care home, a bony-faced thief prised open the bathroom window and climbed into a 100-year-old woman’s bedroom at 5am.

As he searched the room, the woman woke up and asked what he was doing.

He told her to shut up and slapped her in the face before he made his way to the corridor, where he was confronted by a member of staff.

The skinny yob — described as white and about 5ft 6in, with a thin face and shaven hair, pushed her to the floor, injuring her arm. He then fled the home empty-handed.

The thug was wearing a navy-blue waterproof jacket with a hood, black jogging pants and black trainers.

Police constable Jenna Linaker said: “Thankfully, both women were not seriously hurt but have been left shocked.

“To steal from a member of the public of this age is sickening and I can assure the community that we are doing our best to catch this man.”

The incident took place on Saturday, June 11.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161-856 1978.

Two men from Oldham have been bailed for aggravated burglary, in connection with the Royton incident, pending further inquiries.