A MAN claiming to be a police officer stole personal items from a vulnerable person in Leigh.

A 52-year-old man was in bed at 11pm on Sunday when he heard a knock at the door of his Warrington Road home.

He asked who was there and the man replied he was from the police but when he opened the door he was pushed to the floor.

The victim was told to go to his bedroom and stay there while the offender searched the house before leaving with a television.

He is described as being white, tall, wore a black bob hat, black tracksuit top and grey tracksuit pants.

A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and released on police bail until July 10.

Det Con Richard Willoughby said: “The victim is disabled, has learning difficulties and it is a disgrace that someone has taken advantage of him in this way.

"He genuinely believed there was a police officer on the other side of the door and when he opened it, he was pushed to the ground.

“We believe there may have been two other people standing outside, also wearing black bob hats so I would appeal to anyone who may have seen these men to contact us.

“Although an arrest has been made, we are still appealing for information.

“I would also like to remind people to always ask for ID. If they supply ID and you are still not happy, do not let them in.

“A genuine caller would not want to cause distress and would come back if you wanted a family member or a trusted neighbour with you.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 7225 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.