POLICE in Radcliffe are appealing for information following a burglary at the home of an asylum

seeker on Friday.

The victim, a 54-year-old Iraqi was woken at about 3.30am when he was confronted by a man who

threatened him with a knife and demanded cash.

After taking a small amount of money, the intruder then went downstairs where he joined two

accomplices, a woman and a boy aged between 10 and 14.

It is believed the thief gained access to the house in the Church Street area via a ground floor

window, before letting the other two in through the front door.

Detective Inspector Simon Collier from Whitefield CID said: "This is an unusual incident for a

number of reasons.

"It may well have been a opportunist burglary, but for these three people to be out together at

3am is uncommon.

"There was also a brief conversation between the burglar and the victim, which suggests the

offender knew of the victim.

"The victim only moved to Radcliffe on Tuesday, and for the offenders to have known his

background, it is likely they are local.

"This man has had close members of his family killed under the regime of Saddam Hussain and has

come to Britain to seek refuge, only to undergo what must have been a terrifying ordeal.

"This incident has shocked both him and his neighbours, and I would appeal to anyone who has

information to contact the police."

The first offender is described as white, aged between 17 and 20, around 5ft 10in of slim build

with a shaved head. The woman was also aged between 17 and 20, around 5ft 5in and of slim build,

and the youth was also white and around 5ft 4in.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Whitefield CID on 0161 856 8243 or call Crimestoppers

anonymously on 0800 555 111.