A NINETY-SEVEN-YEAR-OLD woman with dementia was attacked and robbed after a break-in at a care home.

Shortly after 7am yesterday, Saturday, police were called to the Bupa-run Bedford Nursing and Residential Home on Battersby Street in Leigh after carers had discoverd that three rooms had been broken into during the night.

The woman was treated for minor injuries, although police say her injuries could have been much worse.

It is believed that the break-in happened some time between 4am and 7am.

Police have now released CCTV footage of a man they want to speak to in connection with the robbery and are hoping the public can help to identify him.

Chief superintendent Stuart Ellison, territorial commander for the Wigan borough said: “How someone could sink so low as to break into a care home is beyond me.

"My thoughts are with the lady. I am so glad her injuries weren’t more serious.

“We are keen to identify the man in the CCTV. He is seen to be riding a bicycle and carrying a suitcase that we believe was stolen from one of the rooms.

“We have stepped up patrols in the area as our investigation continues.

“Anyone who saw anyone acting suspicious in the area or may have any idea who this man could be is asked to contact police as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference number 505 of January 28, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.