A BURGLAR claiming to be a police officer assaulted an elderly man and stole his wife's handbag after he tricked his way into their home.

The 83-year-old man answered a knock at the door of the house in Bag Lane, Atherton, without putting the security chain on because he thought it was a taxi they had ordered.

The conman stepped into the hall saying he was from the police and walked straight into the living room.

He picked up the elderly woman's handbag and ran out of the front door, knocking the man to the floor as he left.

The robbery happened at about 9pm on Thursday and detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

DC Peter Morris said: "This really was a totally appalling incident.

"This man forced his way into the house and used brute force to get what he wanted without regard for anyone else.

"An ambulance was called to the address as the 83-year-old began to suffer from chest pains which fortunately subsided and he did not require any medical treatment.

"However, it could have been a lot worse and the man could have suffered more serious injuries.

"The couple were also fortunate in that the man who committed this Crime did so for nothing as the handbag that he stole was empty."

The thief is described as white, in his late 20s, 5ft 8ins, heavy build and with a slight hook nose.

He was wearing a dark woolly hat and a black top with a white band across the chest.

Anyone with information should call Leigh CID on 0161 856 7253 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.