TWO men have been arrested after a robbery in which a man broke into in through an elderly couple's bedroom window while they were asleep.

The robber threatened a terrified 83-year-old man with a the axe while demanding cash, leaving him with injuries on his hand.

He then snatched jewellery from the bedroom dresser - including the couple's engagement ring - and ran towards Dovedale Road, Breightmet.

The raid happened on Saturday in Foster Lane, Breightmet, at about 8.15am.

Two men, aged 20 and 23, have now been arrested on suspicion of robbery, and are in police custody for questioning.

Detectives are also now trying to trace the jewellery that was stolen.

Items stolen include a ladies engagement ring with three large diamonds, a woman’s nine carat gold Omega watch with a flexible metal strap, a man’s Zenyth watch with a brown leather strap, a man's Guess watch with a steel bangle, a gold chain and £20 notes, which are stained with the victim's blood.

Det Insp Charlotte Cadden, from Bolton North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are appealing for the public’s help to reunite these items with their rightful owners.

“The jewellery holds a great deal of sentimental value to the couple, especially the engagement ring so I am keen to hear from anyone who has been offered any of the stolen goods.

“I am also appealing to anyone who may have been in the vicinity of Red Lane, Deepdale Road or Dovedale Road, close to where the burglary happened between 7.30am and 8.30am on the day of the incident.

“If you witnessed the incident or saw and anyone acting suspiciously please contact me as soon as possible your information could be vital to our investigation.”

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 8565761 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.