A MAN who forced his way into a 78-year-old Golborne woman's home ran off when she screamed after he grabbed her.

The leather-jacketed attacker, described as white and just five feet tall, wore a balaclava and gloves and escaped after being chased by a man who was passing in Thornfield Close at 9pm on Tuesday.

As she opened the door to her home she was pushed aside and grabbed her but screamed and shouted and the attacker left empty-handed. The victim was fortunately uninjured.

Sgt David Lamb, from Wigan Operational Policing Unit, said: "Thankfully the lady wasn't injured but has been left extremely shaken. Clearly this was an extremely upsetting ordeal for the victim,

and I would urge others in the area to be on their guard and remain vigilant when returning to their homes, no matter what the time."

If anyone has information about the offender or has seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area they should to contact police on 0161 856 7046 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.