A burglar smashed a partially-sighted pensioner over the head with a torch in Openshaw yesterday – after his wife’s screams startled the intruder.
The incident happened at about 3.20am when a 66-year-old woman was woken by flashes of light from a torch coming from the landing of her Harley Street home.
The burglar then entered the bedroom and the woman started to scream which woke her 68-year-old husband who is 90% blind.
The offender then hit him over the head with his torch before fleeing empty handed.
Detective Constable Dave Berry said: “You can only imagine the fright this couple got when the intruder walked into their bedroom in the early hours of the morning.
“The intruder broke in through an open kitchen window and this incident acts as a warning to others about leaving doors and windows insecure or open.
“Given the warm weather it is clearly tempting to leave windows open at night but sadly there are people, like the offender in this case, who will take any opportunity to break into a house.”
The intruder is described as white, possibly in his early 30s, 5ft 5in tall and was wearing dark clothing.
DC Berry added: “There was no justification whatsoever for him to assault the victim and I am eager to hear from anyone who may have been in the area, either making their way to work or coming home from a night out, who may have seen someone acting suspiciously.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 0161 856 3521.
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