A BURGLAR who struck in the early hours dragged his terrified victim out of bed before holding him captive and demanding money.

It happened 5am on Sunday when the 42-year-old man was asleep in a downstairs bedroom at his home in Ena Crescent, Leigh.

He was woken by a noise in the hallway and looked up and saw a man stood in the doorway of his room.

The offender ran over to the bed, grabbed the man’s arms and dragged him off the bed onto the floor.

He then restrained his victim as he threatened him and demanded money.

The offender, who may have had a knife, left after stealing a number of items and a small amount of cash, police said.

A spokesman said: “The victim was not injured during this attack but has been left understandably shaken.”

The offender is white, about 25-years-old and of a slim to medium build. He is around 6ft tall, has very short shaven light coloured hair, light coloured stubble and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing a light grey hooded top with the hood up.

Det Con John O'Donnell said: “This victim has been attacked in the sanctity of his own home, a place where he should feel safe.

“We are determined to catch the man responsible for this and are appealing for anyone who was in the area at around 5am on Sunday morning to call us if you think you saw this offender.

“Your information, however minor or insignificant you think it might be, could be vital to our investigation, so please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5308, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.