A 72-years-old Leigh woman was robbed of £140 by a bearded burglar who threatened to stab her with a kitchen knife while she lay in her bed on Sunday morning.

The incident in terraced Glebe Street, just out of the town centre, happened at 6.30am - just 90 minutes after a similar frightening incident for a 73 years-old HIndley Green woman.

But police say they are presently unable to link the offences, despite their similarities.

Det Ch Insp MIke Whiting said the Glebe Street offender, who wore a scarf to mask his face, got in through a downstairs window.

"He disturbed the woman in her bed. She was in total fear of what was going on. He threatened to stab her with the kitchen knife from the woman's kitchen and demanded money. She gave him £140 from her handbag."

Mr Whiting said he was concerned at the disturbing types of offences being committed against old people.

"In the case of the Glebe Street incident, I'd like to speak to anyone who was out and about at that time: it could be a milkman or an early shift worker on their way to work.

"This was a terrible thing to do to an old lady. She was shocked but is recovering."

Mr Whiting describes the Glebe Street attacker as: white male, thin, with dark grey or black scarf round his head, wearign a dark grey or black duffle coat. He was 5'10"-6', unshaven or with the start of a goatee beard.

Anyone with help should contact Leigh CID on 0161-856-7245.

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