A ‘defenceless’ 91-year-old man was grabbed by three violent thugs who smashed their way into his home as he was watching TV before robbing him.

The elderly man was relaxing in his Chorley Old Road house at about 6.30pm last Thursday when the terrifying raid took place.

The three men burst inside and one of them grabbed the shocked pensioner, a former local shopkeeper, so he couldn’t raise the alarm while the others stole cash and a mobile phone before all three fled.

Police are now hunting the heartless robbers who are described as white, with one in his thirties and of large build and the other two in their twenties and of slim build — all were wearing dark clothing.

Detective Sergeant Alison Byrne of GMP’s Bolton Borough said: “These men cruelly targeted a defenceless man in his own home; somewhere he should feel safe, all for some cash and a mobile phone.

“Fortunately, the man wasn’t hurt, but the fear will stay with him.

“If you saw anything, or remember seeing three men in the area acting suspiciously beforehand, then please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5761, 101 quoting incident number 1698 12/01/17, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.