A THIEF posing as a door-to-door missionary handed a Hindu prayer card to a woman – before forcing his way into her home. 

The man barged his way past the 56-year-old before stealing cash and fleeing the flat in Deane – again pushing the woman out of his way.

His victim was so distressed that she fainted and required treatment from an ambulance crew.

The con man – who had handed the woman a prayer card with the image of the goddess Lakshmi – was wearing a black turban and black coat and spoke to the victim in Hindi. Police described him as Asian, 5ft 8in tall and of medium build.

Det Sgt Darren Wiggans said: “The woman was so distressed when the offender pushed past her, she fainted and an ambulance was called. 

“Home is where you should feel the safest but this has left her feeling terrified. 

“I would ask anyone who may have seen this man, whether he has knocked on your door or you have heard anything within the community, to contact police. 

“I would also urge people to be vigilant and be mindful who they open their door to.” 

Neighbours in Langthorne Walk said the incident – at about 1pm last Saturday – was not in keeping with their experiences living in Langthorne Walk.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “I heard about it from my grandchildren, who had seen all the police cars parked in the middle of the estate. 

“It is a decent place this, I’ve been here a couple of years.

“You can only think they must have been watching her.”

Another neighbour said: “Police were knocking on every door it seemed, asking if we knew anything.

“I didn’t see anything, but I’ve been here nearly 10 years now and I’ve always felt pretty safe.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5755.