An elderly woman woke to find a man covering her mouth and demanding money during a burglary in Prestwich.
The victim, 86, has been left 'terrified in her own home' following the break-in, which happened in the early hours of Sunday morning (August 11).
The intruder stole her purse from her handbag before running away.
When the victim tried to raise the alarm, she fell and hit her head, police said.
She was treated at the scene by paramedics.
Police were called to her home on Bury New Road at about 1.15am.
An investigation has now been launched and police are 'doing everything they can' to find the man responsible.
Insp Steven Jameson, of GMP’s Bury district, said: “This elderly woman was left terrified in her own home at the hands of this man and we're doing everything we can to find him.
“Thankfully the victim didn’t require any hospital treatment and she is recovering from her ordeal with her family.
“I would urge anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area earlier this morning, or anyone with any information to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8172 or 101 quoting incident number 347.
Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
