A TERRIFIED elderly woman had a knife held to her throat by a gang of armed robbers who threatened to kill her in her own home.

The four raiders kicked in the front door at the house in Ringley at 7.50pm on Wednesday.

Two of them rushed upstairs while the other members of the gang, who were carrying knives, threatened the elderly couple who were downstairs.

They ordered them both to lie on the floor in their living room.

One of the robbers then held a knife to the 68-year-old woman’s throat, demanding that she remove her jewellery.

He threatened to kill her if she did not take off her watch and give it to him.

The gang then stole a locked safe from a bedroom and fled in the homeowner’s silver Mercedes Vito van, registration PJ57 KPT. The van is still missing.

The men were all wearing dark clothing.

Detective Constable Randolph Lyle, of Bolton CID, said: “This attack was nothing short of absolute cowardice to prey on decent, elderly members of the community like this.”

Anyone with information should call DC Lyle at Bolton CID on 0161 856 5751, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.