A ROBBER attacked an 89-year-old man in his own home.

He knocked the pensioner to the ground before stealing a wallet containing over £200.

"This was a violent attack on a vulnerable 89-year-old male," said Detective Sergeant Nigel Wenham from Northwich police. "It's despicable."

The assault took place after the pensioner answered a knock at the door of his home on Hesketh Drive in Lostock at around 10.15am on Saturday.

The intruder claimed he was from Northwich police and said a man had been seen climbing out of the OAP's rear window.

He pushed his way into the house and went into the bedroom, followed by the pensioner who repeatedly asked him what he was doing.

The men then went into the kitchen where the robber suddenly knocked the pensioner to the ground, searched his pockets and stole a black wallet.

The pensioner put up a fight and the intruder ran off leaving his victim badly shaken but suffering no physical injuries.

At the same time a similar incident took place at a neighbour's house. A 76-year-old man opened his door to be met by a man also claiming to be from Northwich police. But the wheelchair-bound man asked for an identity card, refused to let him in and told him to leave.

Police are anxious to trace both men and believe they could be accomplices.

"It's very important that we catch the offenders as soon as possible," added DS Wenham. "We would urge anyone with information to contact police and would ask anyone in Hesketh Drive who saw anything between 9.30am and 11am to contact us - even if they don't think it's important.

The robber is between 30 and 40-years-old, six foot tall, of medium build with a local accent.

The second male is in his mid 20s, 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build with brown, neatly cut hair. He was clean shaven and was wearing a dark blue or black three quarter length coat and dark or black trousers. He also had a local accent.

Anyone with information should ring DC Bob Scranage or DC Steve Holliwell on 01244 613235.

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