Couple in their late 70s attacked with metal pole in their home

Photo: Google

Ulster Avenue

A couple in their late 70s were attacked with a metal pole and a broom when thieves broke into their home at around 6.30pm on Monday 8 January.

The wife was making a cup of tea in her kitchen on Ulster Avenue while her husband was upstairs. 

They both heard a loud bang before three men forced their way into their home, one of which ran upstairs and ransacked the front bedroom shouting ‘where is the money’?

The other two men unplugged the landline and told the couple to sit down in the living room before attacking them with a broom and a metal pole.

The men then tried to shut the couple in the living room but they pushed back, preventing it from shutting.

The thugs ran out of the house and over a wall, with a black handbag containing a large amount of cash, stolen from the house.

The husband ran to the front door and shouted for help. They were both taken to hospital where they were treated for minor injuries.

The men are all described as white, in their 20s and were wearing black clothing.

Detective Sergeant Tim O’Callaghan of GMP’s Rochdale Borough, said: “I can only imagine how absolutely terrifying this must have been when the three men invaded this couple’s home, ransacking it for a quick win with no regard for their safety.

“We are yet to find out who they are and arrest them but we are doing everything we can and I would like to take this opportunity to appeal for any information people may have.

“Although it was dark, it was not late at night and there still would have been people in the area – it was just after the six o’clock news, people may have been coming back from work, eating their tea or walking around.

“Whatever you were doing, if you heard something or saw something, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8441 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.