TWO pensioners were attacked in their own homes over Christmas — in separate robberies thought to have been carried out by the same man.

The victims both had their wallets taken after a thug conned his way into the properties in Kearsley.

In the first attack on Boxing Day at 5.15pm a teenager barged his way into an 86-year-old man's home, telling him he was a new neighbour and that he had seen someone running away from the area.

But the attacker then stole the man’s wallet from his back pocket and pushed him to the floor before leaving.

The second attack took place shortly after midnight on Sunday, when a man approached a 78-year-old as he got home from a local pub.

The robber, again said to be in his late teens, followed the pensioner inside, stole his wallet and left his victim on the floor following a struggle.

Both attacks took place in the area near Bolton Road, with one of the robberies understood to have been in Mossfield Road.

Det Con May Preston, said: “Two elderly men have been targeted in their own homes by someone who has not been afraid to use physical force against them in order to steal their wallets.

“The fact neither man has been seriously injured in no way diminishes the seriousness of these offences.

“These incidents happened over the festive period, when we should be embracing goodwill to others so clearly this individual has absolutely no regard for his elders or the wider public."

One resident in Bolton Road, who asked not to be named said: "It is a horrible feeling; we were burgled a few months ago.

"We are being extra vigilant at the moment, I am going out to the garage every night making sure it is all secure.

"We've got dogs at the back and the back door is booby-trapped, as they kicked it in last time."

On both occasions, the thief was described as white, in his late teens and wearing a dark hooded jacket.

Cllr Liam Irving, for Kearsley, said: "Crime prevention is much more successful than detection.

"People have got to lock their doors and be aware of what is going on.

"Particularly at this time of year when there will be a lot of people out there looking for an excuse to steal.

"Crime prevention is going to be one of the key things in my election campaign."

Cllr Derek Burrows added: "People must not answer their doors to anyone they don't know.

"I hope the police catch up with this man soon, "It is horrible that this should have happened at this time of year."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5608, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.