A 60-year-old man was hit over the head with a shovel and tied up during a robbery in his Leigh home.

Three men gained access to the house on West Bridgewater Street through the front door before pushing the victim to the floor and demanding he went upstairs to get valuables.

As they walked up the stairs, he was punched and struck with a shovel before they stole jewellery at around 7.30pm on March 6.

The victim was then tied up and the offenders walked out.

The offenders are described as being white, of medium build, in their mid 20s to early 30s, wore dark clothing, balaclavas and spoke with local accents.

Det Con Mark Harrison from INPT Leigh East said: “This was a terrifying ordeal and the victim was not only punched and hit with a shovel but was tied up in his own home.

“He was lucky that his injuries were not far worse and he is still feeling the mental scars of what happened to this day.

“These men are violent offenders but we are determined to get them off the street. If anyone saw these men running away from the area at the time of the robbery, I would ask you to phone police as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7225 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.