A pensioner was robbed at knifepoint, tied up in her Stockport home and had thousands of pounds worth of jewellery stolen by men who forced their way in when she answered the door.
The vulnerable 69-year-old woman was alone at her home on Compstall Road in Marple Bridge when she answered the door to two men who burst past her, pushing her to the floor.
The woman is said to be ‘traumatised’ after one of the thugs held a knife to her throat and demanded money and jewellery, before tying her to the radiator with shoe laces around lunchtime on Thursday May 23.
Detective Constable Paul Chesworth from Hazel Grove Police Station said: “They burst into her home in broad daylight and pushed her to the floor, one of the thieves held her at knife point while the other ransacked the house.
“Before they left they tied her to the radiator and left her to struggle free.”
While the woman was held at knifepoint, the other man walked upstairs and stole a ladies Rolex watch worth £7,000.
Also stolen were two silver chains, two gold rings and a gold brooch in the shape of a leaf containing a pearl.
After her bedroom was ransacked, the offenders led the pensioner into the kitchen, took her purse and tied her to the radiator.
It is believed they drove off in a black car.
The first offender is described as white, about 5ft 3in tall, aged between 25 and 30. He had light coloured eyes, no facial hair and was of a very stocky build.
He wore a blue and white tracksuit and had his hood pulled over to his eyebrows and wore red, white and silver trainers.
The second is described as white, between 5ft 4in and 5ft 5in, aged between 18 and 20, with very thin with light coloured eyes.
He was dressed completely in black with a big hood and scarf covering his face and wore black trainers.
DC Chesworth added: “Some of the jewellery held a great deal of sentimental value to the victim and she is keen to see them handed back.
“I would appeal to pawnbrokers or jewellery shops in the area to be vigilant and if these items are brought in to your business, please phone us immediately.
Police have now released an efit of one of the men, which is above.
Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 9987 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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