Elderly man found distressed on floor following robbery

An elderly pensioner was found distressed and on the floor following a robbery at his home in Heywood.

At about 5.15pm on Sunday 13 July 2013, the 83-year-old man was in the garden of his home on Corcoran Close, when the offender approached him, told him he was doing some gardening and asked for a glass of water.

The victim went inside to get the man a drink but was followed inside by the offender, who pushed him to the floor and took his wallet from his pocket.

The offender ran off but the victim was unable to get back to his feet.

He was found by his partner and carer a short time later and the police were called.

The offender is described as white, of stocky build, 5ft 8in tall, in his late 30s or early 40s, with short black hair. He is described as being “ugly” looking and was wearing a blue t-shirt with white writing on the front, blue tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.

Detective Constable Nick Price, said: “The only words to describe this man and his actions are desperate and cowardly.

“The victim opened up his home to the offender and was in the process of getting him a glass of water, when he was attacked and left on the floor unable to get up.

“If you think you know who the person is it is only right that you call us with that information.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8577, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.