Panic button rescues terrified householder

A 90-year-old woman suffered a bump to her head and scratches to her knuckles after callous thieves broke into her home.

Two attackers forced their way inside the house in Block Lane, Chadderton, and began rifling through her possessions.

But the brave victim managed to activate her home help alarm and the thugs fled.

The terrifying incident began at 7pm on Wednesday when the elderly woman heard a knock at the door.

She asked who was there and a man replied “it’s Jimmy.”

The victim did not recognise the voice, and opened the door with the chain still attached. ”

She still didn’t recognise him and tried to close the door — but the man shouted: “It’s Jimmy, you know me,” and forced it open.

He then grabbed hold of her, putting his hand across her face and eyes.

His accomplice then went into the house and began to search drawers and cupboards. Luckily, the distressed woman was able to get to her alarm before anything was stolen.

She was taken to hospital after suffering a bump to her head and scratches to her knuckles. She has since been discharged.

Det Con Mike Patterson said: “These men have preyed on an elderly woman in her own home.

“She was understandably terrified and extremely shaken as a result of the attack. These cowards need to be caught to make sure they cannot target anyone else.

“I would urge anyone who may know anything about the men responsible for this cruel robbery to call police, so we can at least reassure the victim that they have been caught.”

The yob who restrained the victim is described as white, in his mid-30s, 5ft 11in tall and of medium to heavy build. He was wearing a black bobble hat, a dark jacket and dark gloves.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the volume crime team on 0161- 856 9080 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.