'Workmen' rob old lady in her home

A frightened old lady was knocked out of the way while heartless robbers rummaged through her home.

The 84-year-old answered the door to her Middleton home on Monday (9 February) when a man, claiming he was a workman, said he needed to check her taps.

Suspicious, the old lady went to check her taps herself and returned to the door to say they were fine.

But a second man appeared and pushed her out of the way as they barged into her home. One remained in the kitchen with the tap on full power, while the other rummaged through the front room and emerged with her handbag.

He emptied the bag and made off with her wallet.

Police say the victim was not injured but was “extremely frightened”.

Detective Constable Tim O’Callaghan of Rochdale’s robbery unit said: “These evil callous men preyed on a vulnerable woman in her own home, stealing her money.

“It makes me sick that people can be so cruel and pick on people that are never going to be able to stand up to them.

“I urge anyone with any information to call me so I can find these two cowards.”

The first offender is described as white, 5ft 8in tall with a plump roundish face. He was wearing a peaked cap with flat sides, a dark jacket and spoke with a local accent.

The second offender is described as white, aged late 20s, 5ft 4in to 5ft 5in tall of average build. He had medium length dark wavy hair and was wearing a dark jacket.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the robbery unit on 0161 856 8632 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.