BURGLARS held down a pensioner on her couch as they ransacked her home.

Demanding drugs, two thieves grabbed the 67-year-old woman's face and covered her mouth in the front room of her flat in Laburnum Grove, Horwich.

She lay helpless as the men searched her rooms and stole property and cash.

The woman, who is not being named by police, escaped shocked but unhurt after the ordeal at 6.30pm on Wednesday.

The thieves had managed to break into the two-storey flat complex despite tight security and an intercom system for visitors.

A similar attack occurred in Limefield, Bury, hours later.

A woman in her 80s awoke to find two raiders in her bedroom.

The thieves pinned down Frances Carter in her bed before ransacking her house in Lostock Drive at 9pm and stealing £100 in cash and a quantity of jewellery.

She is in Fairfield General Hospital's coronary care unit where she is being kept under observation due to a history of heart problems.

Her son-in-law Mr Barry Briscoe, of Irwell Vale, Ramsbottom, described the offenders as cowards.

He added: "A lot of mental harm has been caused to her and the people who have done this are scum."

The first man in the Horwich attack is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build with black short hair and had a spotty complexion. He wore a navy blue top, black trousers and navy gloves.

The second man is described as white, 5ft 6in tall of small build with black, short hair. He was also spotty and wore a grey top, black trousers, white trainers and navy gloves.

Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information about either attack should call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11.