Elderly man assaulted in aggravated burglary in Heywood

A group of men had broke into a 67-year-old man’s flat on Bury Street, Heywood sometime between 4.15am and 5.15am that morning on Saturday (17 June), assaulted him, dragging his trousers off, which contained his wallet and mobile phone, and fled with them.

All three men are described as white and were wearing dark clothing and black balaclavas.

One of them is described as around 5ft 10in and of a stocky build.

Another is described as between 5ft 8in and 5ft 10in and the last man is described as 6ft tall and of slim build.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Constable Nick Price of GMP’s Rochdale Borough, said: “This was an appalling attack on a man in his 60s in his own home, with no regard for his wellbeing.

“Luckily he didn’t suffer any serious injuries and is now recovering at home but we still need people to get in contact with us if they saw anything or know anything about this.

“I’m particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen the men in the area at the time or any vehicles that were around, specifically opposite Deli Fresh or on Yew Street.

“It would be really helpful if people with dashcams in the area could check their footage as it may help us to identify these offenders.

“I can’t imagine how terrifying and violating it is for someone to forcefully break into your home, all for a measly profit and I’m determined to get some closure for this poor man and make these men answer for their crimes.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8701, 101 quoting reference number 555 of 17/06/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.