Pensioner attacked in own home

Police are hunting a man who claimed to be from the church before indecently assaulting a pensioner.

At about 12.20pm yesterday, Sunday 3 November 2013, police in Rochdale were called to reports that a man had exposed himself to an elderly lady at sheltered accommodation on Ravendale Close.

Officers arrived at the scene and established that a man had knocked on three doors before being let in by the fourth.

In every case he told the pensioner who answered the door that he was ‘from the church’. On the fourth occasion he was let into the home of an 78-year-old woman. While there he indecently assaulted her in the bedroom.

The victim is now being supported by specially trained officers.

The offender is described as white, slim build, early 20's, short dark hair, wearing a waterproof light cream/white jacket with blue sleeves, possibly body warmer over a blue zipped up Adidas tracksuit jacket.

Detective Sergeant Julie Adams, of Rochdale North INPT, said: “The victim in this case has been through a traumatic experience and we are doing all we can to both support her and catch the offender.

“He clearly played on the vulnerabilities of the elderly by telling them he was from the church and banked on one of them letting him inside.

“Once he was let over the threshold he showed his true intention.

“He knocked on at least four doors in this area so I am confident that a number of people would have seen him and can help us catch him.

“It is believed that the offender had been to nearby Cutgage Baptist Church yesterday morning before carrying out the attack.

“This sort of incident is unusual but I do need to remind people, especially the elderly, to take some sensible precautions. Genuine callers will have no problem showing you the ID card so you should always ask to see one.

“Also, I would always advice people to keep their front door on the chain when speaking to strangers at the door.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.