POLICE are hunting a heartless thief who stepped over the body of a helpless pensioner - who had collapsed - before making off with her TV set.

The incident occurred at about 9.30pm on Wednesday, April 3 when the 84-year-old went to answer a knock at the door of her town centre home in Albion Street.

However, before reaching the door the woman came over faint and collapsed in the hallway. She then reported hearing glass in her front door being broken and when she looked up she saw a man open the door from the outside, walk in and calmly step over her into the front room where he picked up her TV set.

The pensioner then fell unconscious and doesn't remember anything else, although she is still very shaken following the incident.

Detective Inspector Jon Dawson of St Helens CID said: "Words fail to describe this type of criminal who can just step over an 84-year old who has just collapsed on the floor and not even call for help for her. I would urge anyone who has information to contact us as soon as possible and help us catch this man."

The man was white, about 5ft 9ins tall, middle-aged with a short build. He was wearing a suit, white shirt and a tie.

Anyone who has information on the incident can contact DC Belger at St Helens police station on 0151 777 6050 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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