DETECTIVES are hunting a thug who viciously hurled a pensioner around her flat when she discovered him stealing cash.

The burglar threw the 74-year-old woman with such force that a table she fell on was broken by the impact.

Remarkably the pensioner did not suffer any broken bones but was left very badly bruised and shaken after her ordeal.

The thug is believed to have sneaked in to the ground floor flat in Hanover Court, Deane, through the bedroom window, which the woman had opened to let in fresh air. She returned from the kitchen to find the man ransacking her flat and when she challenged him he threw her around the room.

Det Ch Insp Frank Raggett said: "This is a particularly nasty and despicable Crime. This elderly lady was thrown around with some considerable force, actually causing furniture to break. She was extremely frightened."

The thief struck just after 7am yesterday and police believe someone in the flats complex could have seen him. DCI Raggett added: "He seems prepared to attack in broad daylight and must be caught. I would urge people, especially the elderly, to be very careful about leaving windows open, particularly if they are on the ground floor."

The thug was in his 20s, 6ft, solid build, with a very white face.

He put a stocking over his head when confronted. He was also wearing dark clothes, a woollen bob hat and gloves.

Anyone with information should call Bolton CID on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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