A DISABLED woman was attacked by a young thief in the living room of her home.

Delysia Perry, aged 62, was pushed to the ground by the burglar who then grabbed her handbag and fled.

Mrs Perry, of Cartmel Crescent, Tonge Moor, was alone in the house when she was confronted by the young thief who escaped with her bag, £30 in cash, credit cards and documents.

She was not hurt but was left badly shaken.

Her husband, former councillor Paul Perry, today offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of the thief.

He said: "These people are nothing but scum.

"They are making people frightened of living in their own homes."

The thief entered the couple's home at 10am on Wednesday minutes after Mr Perry had left.

He walked into the house through a kitchen door at the rear of the property.

Mrs Perry, who was sitting in the living room, did not realise there was anyone in the house until she sensed someone behind her.

She turned around and saw the teenager, thought to be aged around 17.

He had dark hair and wore a navy blue tracksuit, with white lines down the side.

Sgt Jim Winwood, of Bolton Police, confirmed that officers are investigating the theft.

Mr Perry, who was a councillor for eight years, added: "Too many elderly people are being attacked in their homes.

"I don't think the law is stiff enough to stop them from doing it again."

Mr Perry has been a victim of crime before. In 1999, the tyres on his car were slashed by vandals.