A PENSIONER was gagged and robbed on the doorstep of his home in Atherton.

The 66-year-old saw three men standing outside his house and, thinking he recognised one of them, he opened the door.

Two of the men walked away, while the other pushed his way into the man's home.

He gagged the pensioner by pushing a handkerchief into his mouth and stole his wallet.

The thief took the cash before running off with the handkerchief. The incident happened between 6pm and 6.30pm last Friday, but police have only just released details of the robbery.

The offender is described as between 20 and 35-years-old, medium build, with a chubby face, bulging eyes and a goatee beard. He was wearing a black beanie hat with a white stripe, jeans, and a black padded jacket with a hood.

Det Con Mark Sanderson, of Leigh CID, said: "It is a terrifying experience to be robbed in your own home. Thankfully the man was uninjured, but has been left extremely shaken.

"This was a very cowardly type of crime, especially given the age of the victim. I would remind people living alone, especially pensioners, to check the identity of any unexpected callers at their door. If you are in any doubt at all, do not let the caller into your house. I am appealing to anyone who can help us identify this man to come forward."

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 7252, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.