Woman Threatened At Knifepoint In Her Tameside Home

Residents in Tameside are being told to be extra vigilant when opening the door to so called 'cold callers.'

It is after a woman was threatened at knifepoint in her own home by a man posing as a police officer. This happened at sheltered accommodation in Haughton Green. The 40-year-old woman lives there with her mum who she cares for.

She was about to go to bed when she heard a knock on the side kitchen door. When she asked who it was, the man said he was from 'the police.' After opening the door, the thief barged his way in, grabbed the woman and pulled her towards the sink. He then took a knife and held it across her mouth and throat threatening her. After tying her up, the man then stole her bank card as well as her engagement ring, mobile phone and a Sky box.

He is described as white, about 40-years-old, 5ft 10in tall and of a thin build with wide eyes. He was wearing a black hat, a woollen black or grey scarf covering his face and neck so that only his eyes could be seen, black clothing and the florescent jacket.

Chief Inspector Stuart Wrudd said: "This was a truly cowardly act. In her own home, where she looks after her mum, she was confronted by violence and intimidation by this callous thief. The offender had clearly thought his plan through by wearing the jacket to give him the appearance of a police officer, so not only is he cruel but he is also calculating.

"I want to appeal to anyone who has information about this robbery to come forward. If you saw or heard or know anything, we need to hear from you as this information could be crucial to our investigation.

"I also want to urge people to be on their guard to cold callers. Please, always ask for identification when people call at your house purporting to be police or a council officer or from the 'water board'. Keep your chain on if you have one and ask the caller to produce identification before letting them in. A reputable caller or policeman will be happy to produce ID and if necessary, let you phone their supervisor to check.

"Of course, we understand there will be concerns in the community after this despicable robbery. I would like to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can to find this man."