TWO thugs armed with a metal bar attacked and robbed an 85-year-old woman in her home in a terrifying nighttime raid.

The thieves broke into the pensioner's house in Purbeck Drive, near to Middlebrook, just after 7pm last night.

She had been watching television when the men grabbed her and dragged her upstairs before threatening her and demanding money.

The terrified woman tried to call for help but one of the thugs covered her mouth and threw her to the floor.

After ransacking her bedrooms the duo fled the property with a stash of cash and several items of jewellery.

The pensioner then managed to reach the safety of a neighbour's house to raise the alarm and the police were called.

Officers say the robbers were dressed in dark clothing with their hands and faces covered.

They are now appealing for the public's help to trace the criminals.

Detective Inspector John Davies, of GMP’s Bolton district, said: “This was a horrendous attack on an elderly woman in her own home, the place where you should feel safe, and we’re doing everything we can to find the men responsible.

“The woman bravely tried to shout for help but one of the robbers put his hand over her mouth in an attempt to silence her.

“Thankfully she wasn’t seriously injured and is recovering with her family but she has been left incredibly shaken by this ordeal.

“It wasn’t particularly late when this incident occurred so I am hoping someone will have seen something that could assist with our enquiries. If you saw two men dressed in dark clothing and acting suspiciously in the area or have any information that could help us find the men responsible for this despicable attack, please get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information can contact police on 0161 856 5757 or 101 quoting incident number 2835 of 11/01/2020, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.