A MAN of 86 was awakened in the early hours by a burglar in his bedroom.

The incident at 4am on Saturday was one of three burglaries at houses in New Line, Bacup during the same night.

The crook got into the elderly man's home by forcing a kitchen window. After searching downstairs rooms he went upstairs and the two came face to face.

The intruder made off and nothing was stolen. The victim was shaken by the incident but not hurt.

The offender is described as white, aged about 18, 5ft 6-8ins tall and was wearing dark clothing.

About an hour later a thief got into another house in New Line through the unlocked front door and stole £700 from a handbag in the living room.

Seen running off was a young male described as skinny and wearing dark trousers and a dark hat.

Sometime during the same night after 1am someone broke into another property in New Line through the kitchen window. Downstairs rooms were searched but nothing was taken.