A PENSIONER was hit on the head after wrestling with a burglar in his own back garden.

The 71-year-old man was returning from a walk when he saw the side gate of his home in Barley Brook Meadow, Sharples, was open and heard an alarm sounding at about 11.15am on Sunday.

He went into the back garden and saw a man leaving his house through the conservatory doors before running through the garden and climbing over the fence at the back.

A second man then came through the patio doors and the pensioner attempted to tackle him.

He was then hit on the side of his head with an item, thought to be something taken during the burglary.

The burglar escaped and jumped over the fence after his accomplice.

The back garden leads onto scrub land, Sharples High School and the leisure centre.

The men had entered the house by forcing open the conservatory doors before stealing cash, two computer tablets, a camera, keys, medals and other items.

Another resident, who is blind, was also in the house while the burglary took place.

It is thought the thieves spoke to this person during the raid.

The suspects are white, in their late teens, and both about 5ft 8ins tall. They were wearing dark jogging bottoms and dark hooded tops pulled up.

Det Sgt Rob Parker, based at Astley Bridge police station, said: “We are extremely keen to identify these two men, who broke into this house in broad daylight and even had the audacity to attack this man when he confronted one of the men for being in his home.

“Thankfully, the victim was not injured during this ordeal.

“We believe there may have been a number of dog walkers in the area at the time of this crime and we are also appealing to them to come forward and help us with our enquiries – did you see two men hanging around this estate in Sharples on Sunday morning or did you see them running away afterwards?”

Anyone with information is asked to call Astley Bridge police station on 0161 8565761 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.