An elderly woman was attacked and burgled as she slept at home in Prestwich.

At around 1.15am today, police were called to a property on Bury New Road in Prestwich.

An 86-year-old woman was asleep in her bed when she was woken by a man who covered her mouth and demanded money.

The offender then stole the woman’s purse from her handbag before fleeing.

As the woman tried to raise the alarm, she fell and hit her head.

Paramedics treated the victim at the scene and an investigation has been launched.

Inspector Steven Jameson, of GMP’s Bury district, said: “This elderly woman was left terrified in her own home at the hands of this man and we’re doing everything we can to find him.

“Thankfully the victim didn’t require any hospital treatment and she is recovering from her ordeal with her family.

“I would urge anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area earlier this morning, or anyone with any information to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 0161 856 8172 or 101 quoting incident number 347, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.