DOORSTEP attacks on elderly women in Tyldesley and Leigh could be the work of the same man.

Police have warned people to be suspicious of unexpected callers after an 88-year-old woman was punched in the face as she opened the front door of her home in Astley Street, Tyldesley.

As she fell to the floor, around 9.15pm last Thursday night, a man - believed to be in his early 20s - went inside and searched upstairs and down for valuables before leaving.

The police helicopter was called out and the victim was taken to hospital and detained suffering from facial injuries and shock.

Now detectives think the attack may be connected with a similar incident 11 days earlier in Leigh.

At 3.30 pm on Saturday, July 24, an 87-year-old woman was punched in the face after coming face to face with an intruder who had entered her Prescott Street home.

Detective Inspector Steve Baldwin said: "These are particularly callous attacks.

"We would remind people to be especially cautious when answering the door. Use security chains and, if you are suspicious, call the police."

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