Police issue new appeal after pensioner, 81, bravely tackles masked thugs ransacking her home

Detectives hunting masked thugs who ransacked an 81 year-old woman's home have issued a new appeal for information.

Catherine Sykes had been asleep at her home in Clifton, Salford on Sunday, January 19, when she heard noises.. Her visiting friend was also staying in a bedroom upstairs when her house of over 20 years was broken into, sometime between 9.14pm and 10.32pm.

After leaving her room, which is downstairs due to her mobility, she caught the pair in her kitchen. She attempted to fight them off and 'had a wrestle' with one of them, pulling his balaclava off, her son said.

They took the friend's phone and also grabbed a bank statement and £870 from a table. It is thought the intruders escaped over the moss at the rear. Catherine's son, Anthony, later found the bank statement in the marsh out of the back of the property, on Fitton Crescent.

An investigation is underway and no arrests have yet been made, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed in an update on Friday (January 24). They have urged anyone with information that may assist their enquiries to come forward. PC Hulme, from GMP''s Salford district, said: “This was a callous burglary committed against an elderly woman who has been left shaken after money was stolen whilst she was in the house.

"We do not underestimate the psychological impact of offences of this nature, and we will continue to support her as we progress this case.

“It happened in a residential area while people may have been in bed, but if you saw or heard anything suspicious, I would urge you to contact us. It could prove to be key in helping us find those responsible.

“We’re also keen to speak to anyone who may have any CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage from the area in the lead up to the