DETECTIVES are hunting a vicious serial robber after four attacks on pensioners -- one a 92-year-old woman -- in three-and-a-half hours.

Police are warning pensioners in Leigh to be on their guard fearing that the man responsible for the crimes may strike again.

All the victims were attack in their own homes.

The man first posed as a police officer and knocked on the door of an 86-year-old man at Lancaster Court, Chapel Street, at 6.30pm on Tuesday. He forced his way inside, pushed the pensioner to the ground then stole a handbag from the living room before escaping.

Just 20 minutes later, the same thief kicked down the front door of a house in Hesketh Manor, Bullough Street, and pushed a women aged 81 to the floor. He stole a purse from the living room and ran off.

More than two hours later at 9.20pm, the same thief forced open the door of a 92-year-old woman's home and stole a purse before walking out. Forty minutes later the thief pushed his way into a flat in Charleston Court, Elliot Street, Tyldesley, and told an 80-year-old woman to hand over her purse. He fled empty-handed.

Today Det Con Alan Stott, of Leigh CID, said: "All the victims of these four robberies are among the more vulnerable members of our community.

"They were all terrifying incidents for the victims, many of whom have been left extremely shocked. One man suffered injuries to his back. We believe that the same man committed all these robberies and it is vital that we find him before he targets any other elderly people. It is possible that he could become more violent to other victims."

The man police are hunting is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall, wearing a navy blue woollen hat and a dark zip up jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leigh CID on 0161 856 7254 or Crimestoppers on free phone 0800 555 111.