A 92-YEAR-old woman was threatened by a thief as he ransacked her home.

A neighbour found the elderly woman crying on her doorstep following the attack at 7am today.  The offender woke the woman when he knocked on the front door of her home in Prospect Road, Oldham.

He then forced his way inside, pushed her to the floor and demanded money, twisting her arm and threatening to break it.

He left with cash and jewellery including three gold and diamond rings, one of which was initialled MW. The pensioner was treated in hospital for an injury to her arm and has been left very distressed by the ordeal.

The offender is described as dark skinned, with black hair and dark clothing.

Det Sgt Liz Hopkinson, of Oldham CID, described him as a `coward' and added: "This was a shocking robbery on an elderly and vulnerable woman who has understandably been left very upset."Not only did the offender steal cash, but he also physically assaulted a frail old woman which is unforgivable. I hope he is ashamed of his disgusting behaviour."

Anyone with information should contact Oldham CID on 0161 856 8951 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.