DETECTIVES have named a man they want to question about an assault on a 76-year-old woman who was threatened with a knife in her own home.

The appeal came after a man approached the victim at her home in Brantwood Avenue, Knuzden, and asked her for a drink.

Once he was inside the house the woman was threatened with a knife and assaulted before the offender left empty-handed. The woman was extremely shaken by the attack but not seriously injured.

Police want to speak to Jimmy Evans, 34, of no fixed address, regarding the assault, on the morning of Tuesday August 27. He is described as white, 5ft 10in and slim, with brown hair.

Detectives also want to speak to Evans about three other similar incidents that occurred in the area during the same week.

On these occasions the offender managed to trick his way into the homes of elderly people and take money and other property whilst they were distracted. On one occasion an 84-year-old woman was assaulted and suffered severe bruising and cuts before the offender escaped with cash.

Det Insp Neil Hunter said: "We believe this man may have recently been in Bury, Radcliffe and the Rossendale Valley. He can be aggressive and we need to trace him.

"We are appealing for anyone who knows him and his whereabouts to contact the police immediately. He should not be approached as he can be violent."

Jimmy Evans also uses a number of other names, including John White and 'Number Six', and is believed to associate with travellers. DI Hunter added: "Those who know him should contact police if they know where he is."

Anyone with information should contact Blackburn Police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.