VANDALS ransacked a man's flat as he lay seriously ill in hospital.

The youths struck at the home of Gary Cassidy (35), in Tulle Court, Prestwich, less than 48-hours after fire ravaged his home.

Mr Cassidy was taken to North Manchester General Hospital last week suffering from smoke inhalation and burns to his face. He was later transferred to Wythenshawe Hospital where he is still on a ventilator.

His mum Jean Cassidy (65), who lives next door, said she heard noises in her son's flat at lunchtime on Friday (Feb 8).

She said: "I though it was the builders and went next door to see what was going on. I saw three lads in the living room and they jumped out of the window." Mrs Cassidy said she thought the boys, who she believed to be aged around 14 to 15, were looking for valuables. She had removed Gary's tobacco, videos and benefit book the day before.

"The flat was a wreck anyway," she added. "But they managed to throw papers and stuff all over. They should not have been in there. To be honest, though, I am more concerned about Gary at the moment as he is very ill. He still hasn't come round."

Mrs Cassidy, who has lived at Tulle Court for ten years, is now calling for better security on the estate and said other residents were feeling just as vulnerable.

Councillor Steve Treadgold blasted the vandals for their actions.

He said: "It is diabolical they would do that while the owner was in hospital on a ventilator. These people have no respect for anyone."

He added the council would do its best to secure the flat while Mr Cassidy was in hospital.