A 96-YEAR-old woman was forced to run for help after a thief forced his way into her home.

The victim was in her sheltered accommodation flat in St Mary's Court, Sharp Street, Prestwich, when a man knocked on the window.

He persuaded the elderly woman to open the communual door and pushed his way into her property.

The thief sat in an armchair and demanded money from the terrified pensioner.

When the victim went to pull the emergency alarm cord, he stood in her way and prevented her.

While he was searching through drawers, the woman managed to go outside where she raised the alarm.

The thief stole her purse and fled.

The incident happened last Friday at 5.45pm

Police are warning residents in the area to be extra vigilant and appealed for anyone who saw anything suspicious to come forward.

The pensioner was too shaken to give a description of the thief.

Call PC Bleakley at Bury Robbery unit on 0161 856 8093 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.