THIEVES are being hunted by police after the home of an elderly flood victim was burgled after she was forced to move out.

Police said the break-in in Irwell Vale near Ramsbottom happened between Tuesday and Wednesday, when the victims a 70-year-old woman and her 45-year-old son were forced to leave their Meadow Park home after flooding caused extensive damage and left them without power.

But officers said while they were away, burglars broke in though the garage window and forced their way into the kitchen through an internal door.

They made their way upstairs and ransacked the property, police said.

Around £40 in cash and a £1,000 Boardman silver with black mountain bike was taken.

PC Alan Malkin from the East Division Target Team said: “To see the damage caused by flooding alone is bad enough but it is made all the more tragic by the fact that the victims’ house was ransacked by burglars while they were away.

"The mountain bike meant a great deal to the victim, after he had suffered a road traffic accident the bike has been part of his physical recovery process.

"For the past 13 years he has also taken part in a Manchester to Blackpool charity bike ride and raises around £500 for various charities every year.

“It is heart wrenching to see the impact this burglary has had on the family and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time to call police."

Anyone with information should call 101.