Intruders steal couple's pension money

GMP

Intruders stole pension money belonging to an elderly couple who have been married for more than 60 years.

At about 3.30pm on Sunday (13 November), an 86-year-old woman opened the back door of her house on Sedgley Street, Middleton, and was about to collect her washing when two men pushed past her.

The pair grabbed the woman's 90-year-old husband and pushed him into the lounge.

One offender held him while the other searched his pockets.

They then searched the woman's handbag and stole the couple's pension money.

The offenders have been described as white and were wearing dark clothing.

The couple have lived at the address for 51 years and have been married for 63 years.

The elderly woman, Muriel Wild, said: "We should not feel unsafe in our own home, but that is exactly how we feel.

"We have lived here for 51 years and are totally shocked by what has happened, but we will not be forced out by these lowlife criminals.

"The thieves are someone's son or brother and I think their relatives should do the right and responsible thing and hand them in so justice can be done."

Detective Constable Katrina Fitzsimmons, said: "These men are cowards, plain and simple.

"They have targeted an elderly couple in their home and stolen their pension money, which they rely on to heat their home and to put food on their table.

"I want them and anyone who knows them to think long and hard about how they would feel if their grandparents had been targeted in this way and had money that they depend on to get-by so cruelly stolen from them.

"There is only one course of action that these people should take, and that is to call us."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4646, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.