SIX balaclava clad thugs robbed an elderly woman in her own home in a sickening attack.

The men forced their way into the house in Heaton on Monday afternoon before two of them pinned down the 86-year-old woman and ripped off her necklace.

They also unsuccessfully tried to remove her earrings and forcefully took bangles from her arms, causing severe bruising.

The men continually made threats to the woman — who has limited mobility — as they tried to steal her jewellery.

It is understood the men tried to kick down the back door of the property in Somerset Road at 3pm on Monday before then climbing through a window.

They pinned the woman down in her living room armchair — holding her arms down and standing on her feet — threatening to punch her and cause her physical harm.

They also removed her rings while the other four men ransacked the house in search of other items to steal.

The gang got away with £1,200 worth of jewellery.

After several minutes the thugs fled the house, leaving their victim completely traumatised.

The woman, who was home alone at the time of the attack, went out into street to try to get help but could not see anyone, so she returned indoors and rang her daughter.

She did not require hospital treatment but was extremely shaken up by the attack. She is now being looked after by family members.

Officers arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of robbery at 10pm on Tuesday. He remains in custody for questioning.

Police said they did not know if the attack was targeted.

Bagh Hussain Majid, who lives next door to the victim, said: "The police were all over the place and I only got to know about it when they came and knocked on my door.

"She was pretty shaken up when I spoke to her and you could see the wounds on her hands and arms.

"They have been our neighbours since 1976, and she lives on her own now.

"But she is a brave lady, very determined, and I see her out in the garden working there.

"Nothing like this has ever happened in Somerset Road while I have been living here. 

"It is just tragic and is really shocking news to hear as it is has happened just next door."

Another neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "It is not the point that she was not physically hurt. It must have really shaken her up to have that happen to her in her own home.

"It is disgusting. I'm worried about answering my front door now I've heard about this."

Det Insp Charlotte Cadden said: “These men have shown a complete disregard for their victim and subjected her to a terrifying ordeal.

“We would like to appeal for the public’s assistance in identifying any sightings of suspicious men or cars in and around the area at the time this incident took place.

"We are also still trying to trace the victim’s missing jewellery which has been described as gold rings and bangles.

“If anybody has any information about this violent attack on a defenceless and vulnerable elderly woman then I would urge them to please contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5761 or Crimesoppers on 0800 555 111.