AN 84-year-old man was grabbed by the throat and robbed by an intruder as he lay in bed.

Police described the crime as 'despicable' after the elderly man was grabbed by an intruder wearing a balaclava in Haslingden.

The robbery took place at around 4.15am on Saturday, February 20.

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The 84-year-old victim was in bed at his address on St Peter’s Avenue when he heard a noise.

As he was about to get up and investigate, a man entered the bedroom and grabbed him by the throat, pushing him backwards and demanded cash.

The robber then took around £35 from a bedside cabinet along with some cigarettes and a lighter and left.

DS Louise Darcy from Burnley CID said: “This is a truly despicable offence against an elderly gentleman who should have been safe in his own home.

“The incident has understandably left the victim very shaken up and he is lucky to not have any serious physical injuries.

“Someone may have been in the area or recognise the offender’s description and so I am asking anyone with information that could assist us with this investigation to get in touch.” 

The offender is described as a white man, in his mid-twenties, around 5ft 10ins, slim build and spoke with a local accent.

He was wearing a dark long sleeved hooded top, dark trousers and trainers which may have had some white markings on them.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting incident reference 234 of February 21.