A woman has been robbed in her own home, in Leigh.

On March 23 at 12pm a man went into a house in Higher Green Lane, in Astley.

He smashed a glass door and went upstairs, where a 71-year-old woman was in the bedroom.

He threatened her with what she believed was a gun and demanded money, before searching the room and fleeing with her handbag and other items.

Police are appealing for information and witnesses.

The man, who is described as white, about 5ft 2in, of stocky build, was wearing a dark red baseball cap and a top covering the lower half of his face.

Detective Constable Lee Jamieson said: "The victim is an elderly and vulnerable lady and has been left extremely shaken by what happened.

"Under the shock and stress of the situation, she cannot be certain that it was a gun that she was threatened with but, nevertheless, she was has been subjected to a strange man in her house threatening her with violence.

"I would urge anyone who saw the man leaving, or who has any information at all to contact police immediately."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7225 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.