DETECTIVES believe two burglars who tied up and held a knife to the throat of an 85-year-old man had St Helens accents.

The men broke into a house on Glenbranter Avenue in Ince, Wigan, sometime between 2am and 3.10am on Wednesday, June 19.

The men, who were both white, in their 30s and of slim build managed to get access to the house via an open window. One was wearing a black covering over his face and the other wore a silk stocking over his head.

The victim had a knife held to his throat and was tied up during the burglary. He was assaulted repeatedly as the men ransacked his home and finally made off with cash, cigarettes and alcohol.

Police were called when the man managed to untie himself some time later. He was taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries.

Police say the men both spoke with what is believed to be a St Helens accent.

DC Brian Johnston of GMP’s Wigan Division said: “This is a shocking incident which has left a vulnerable 85-year-old man in hospital and terrified to go back to his own home.

“We believe the man was targeted, the men knew he was elderly but they still attacked with the same level of violence.

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“I can’t comprehend how people can do this.

“Hopefully the man will make a swift recovery from his injuries and will be able to return to his home.

“I would like to hear form anyone who may have any information that could help with our enquiries, even if it is really small, it could really help us piece together the puzzle.

“The men who subjected the victim to this attack and robbery are obviously not afraid to cross the line, so we need to find them before they start to consider possibly crossing the line again.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 7957 alternatively call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.