An urgent manhunt to catch two masked thugs who tied up and battered an 85-year-old man after breaking into his home is underway.
Two men climbed into the pensioner's home in Wigan , through a window, before tying him up and holding a knife to his throat.
He was also repeatedly beaten before they escaped with cash, cigarettes and booze.
Police chiefs say those responsible for the 'incomprehensible' attack are 'obviously not afraid to cross the line'.
"We need to find them before they start to consider possibly crossing the line again," the force said in a statement.
The two men broke into his home on Glenbranter Avenue in Ince sometime between 2am and just after 3am today (Wednesday June 19).
One was wearing a black covering over his face and the other wore a silk stocking over his head.
He was tied up at knifepoint and the pensioner was repeatedly assaulted whilst they ransacked his home.
The two men were of slim build and spoke with 'St Helen's accents', GMP said.
Police were called when the man eventually managed to untie himself.
He was taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries.
Detectives are now trying to find those responsible and are appealing for the public's help.
Detective Constable Brian Johnston from 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.
“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 information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7957 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
