AN ELDERLY man is recovering in hospital with a broken hip after chasing a burglar from his home.

And Widnes CID are asking for witnesses to come forward to find the robber.

The 74-year-old man disturbed a burglar in his house in Dickson Street, Widnes, on Thursday afternoon.

He chased the man out of the front door, on to the street then tried to grab the thief as he got on to a mountain bike.

During the struggle, the man fell to the floor and the burglar rode off down Kingsway and disappeared into the estate.

The elderly man was then taken to hospital where his condition has been described as stable.

Widnes CID said the man rode off on a pedal bike with distinctive straight handlebars.

He is described as white, aged between 20-25, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, clean-shaven, with a bony face and pale skin. He had short, light, mousey hair and distinctive red bags under his eyes. He was wearing a white track suit top.

Anyone with information can call Widnes CID on 424 7431 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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