A VICIOUS thug tried to suffocate a helpless pensioner after climbing into her home as she slept.

The intruder put a pillow over the head of the 74-year-old woman when she woke as he searched through the flat.

The intruder, who pinned the struggling woman down onto her bed, fled when she fell onto her bedroom floor.

Today, as detectives searched for the thug, Det Insp Ray Towey said: "It was an horrendous attack on a defenceless lady.

"We need to track this man down as quickly as possible.

"The consequences of his actions could have been far more serious - even fatal."

The thug climbed into the pensioner's second floor window at Swinton Court, Park Street, Swinton, late last night. The wanted man is white, slim build, quite tall with dark clothing, a bomber style jacket and white baseball cap.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Swinton CID, tel: 0161 856 5244 or Crimestoppers on free phone 0800 555 111.

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