Detectives probe two shocking burglaries after victims confronted in their homes

Detectives in Oldham are investigating two disturbing burglaries after residents were confronted inside their own homes.

In one incident, an 82-year-old pensioner was attacked after an intruder was discovered hiding beneath a dining table at the address on Mellalieu Street, Royton, at around 7.20pm yesterday (Sunday). 

The offender jumped out, overpowered him, and struck him on the head with his own walking stick.  

The heartless thug then tied the victim’s hands and ankles with a cable, placed him on a chair inside a cupboard, and struck him over the head using a knife, causing a laceration. 

The offender stole the victim’s wallet and demanded the PIN for his bank card. The card was later used around midnight at an ATM on Oldham Road near to the junction of the old Edge Lane Launderette. 

Despite his injuries, the victim managed to free himself, reach his phone, and call his daughter, who immediately alerted police via 999. He is currently safe and receiving treatment at Royal Oldham Hospital. 

The offender was described as a black male wearing a covid-style face mask and gloves.  

This description is similar to one provided by elderly victims in a separate aggravated burglary on Roman Road, Royton, on Monday, February 10 at around 11.45pm. 

In that incident, a Black male of large build, approximately 6ft tall, with big curly hair and dressed in all black with a yellow high‑visibility gilet, was found standing next to the couple’s bed as they slept. 

As in the later incident, the intruder stole wallets, demanded PIN numbers, whilst holding two of the victims’ kitchen knives.  

He also took their phones. The couple reported that the intruder brought an unknown liquid with him, poured it into a glass, and attempted to force them to drink it. They did not drink the liquid. A cable was also left behind. 

In both cases, there was no sign of forced entry; instead, it is believed the offender gained access through front doors that had been closed but left unlocked. 

Whilst detectives cannot yet confirm that the two incidents are definitively linked, there are clear similarities, and officers believe an individual may be deliberately targeting elderly residents in the Royton area for financial gain. 

Victims are being fully supported by officers. 

Detective Chief Inspector Zahid Latif from Oldham CID said: “We are taking this extremely seriously. 

“Neighbourhood officers are carrying out increased patrols in the area, and Oldham Council and Adult Social Care have been fully briefed. 

“Our enquiries are well underway to locate and identify the man responsible for intimidating and committing these horrific crimes against vulnerable members of our community. 

“GMP will not tolerate this behaviour. Detectives will be relentless in their search for this offender, and we will use every resource available to bring him into custody. We are here to keep people safe, and that is exactly what we intend to do. 

“I want to remind everyone to ensure their windows and doors are locked, even when at home, and to support elderly neighbours or relatives who may feel unsettled at this time. 

“If anyone has any information at all, no matter how small it may seem, please contact us on 101, use GMP LiveChat quoting log 39 of 16/02/2026 or call 999 in an emergency.”