A ‘vulnerable’ and ‘defenceless’ elderly woman has been assaulted, pinned down and had her jewellery ripped off during a ‘violent’ attack at her Bolton home by a gang of balaclava-clad burglars.
The 86-year-old victim was alone in her home on Somerset Road, Heaton, when six masked men forced their way in at around 3pm on Monday August 10.
Two of the thugs pinned down the woman – who has limited mobility – and attempted unsuccessfully to remove her earrings before ripping off her necklace and forcefully removing bangles from her arms, causing severe bruising.
The men continually made threats to the victim as they assaulted her and tore off her jewellery.
Detective Inspector Charlotte Cadden, of GMP’s Bolton Division, said: “These men have shown a complete disregard for their victim and subjected her to a terrifying ordeal.”
While the ‘defenceless’ woman was subjected to this ‘violent attack’ by two offenders, the other four men ransacked the house in search for other items to steal.
The gang exited the house after several minutes, leaving their elderly victim completely traumatised.
The woman was in such a state of shock it took her a while to even be able to contact her family – the family member she spoke to in turn alerted the police.
Police arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of robbery at around 10pm the following day – he remains in custody for questioning.
The gang is still on the loose and police are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward or call them.
DI Cadden said: “We would like to appeal for the public’s assistance in identifying any sightings of suspicious men or cars in and around the area at the time this incident took place.
“We are also still trying to trace the victim’s missing jewellery which has been described as gold rings and bangles.”
“If anybody has any information about this violent attack on a defenceless and vulnerable elderly woman then I would urge them to please contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously.”
Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 5761 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
