Violent break-in gave woman a heart attack

AN elderly woman suffered a heart attack following a violent robbery at her home in Oldham.

Police were called to reports of an aggravated burglary on Sedgemoor Way, shortly before 5.45pm on Friday.

The offender forced his way through the victim's front door after posing as a furniture collector.

The man pushed the 77-year-old woman to the floor before grabbing her handbag, which contained cash and bank cards amongst other personal items.

The attacker then proceeded to kick the woman as she lay on the floor before fleeing her home.

She was taken to hospital where she was treated for bruising to her arm, elbow and ribs. The victim also suffered a heart attack and is currently recovering.

The offender is described as slim build, in his 50s or 60s, white, approximately 5ft 2ins with black and grey scruffy hair. He was wearing dark grey pants with a dark coloured zip up jacket and dirty black shoes.

Detective Constable Zahir Hussain, from Oldham CID, said: "This was a cruel and completely unnecessary attack that has left an innocent elderly woman in hospital. Our thoughts remain with her and her family as she recovers from this ordeal.

"I would like to ask that anybody who thinks they may know something that can assist with our investigation to please contact police.

"Similarly if you saw anyone in the area around the time of the robbery that matches the description of the offender, please get in touch."

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident number 1645 of 18 August 2017, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.