Detectives investigating a terrifying armed robbery in Rochdale have released CCTV of a man they want to speak to.
The victim, a 65-year-old man, was threatened with a gun in front of his wife, who has dementia, at their home in Middleton.
Officers were called at around 5.55pm on Thursday, 18 February to a property on Hillcrest, to reports of a burglary.
A lone male had forced entry into the house before placing a firearm to the man's neck, police said.
The offender then dragged the homeowner around the property in an attempt to locate a safe.
GMP said the victim offered money from his wallet in an attempt to get him to leave.
During the horrifying incident, the victim was said to be repeatedly assaulted with a hammer.
His injuries did not require medical treatment.
The victim's wife, who has dementia, was home at the time of the burglary, and witnessed the attack.
Police say the offender fled the scene with £200 after forcing the couple into a backroom of the property.
Detectives investigating the burglary have now released CCTV footage showing a man they would like to speak to in connection with the offence.
The clip shows a man wearing a face covering and carrying a rucksack on his back.
He is seen to jump over a front garden fence before walking up the drive towards the front door of the property.
A few minutes later, the man can be seen to exit the property and run back towards the main road.
Detective Constable Martin Johnston of GMP’s Rochdale district, said: "Both victims were left incredibly shaken by this ordeal and I would ask members of the public to come forward if they have any information around this attack on two vulnerable members of our community.
"We have released footage of a man we are keen to speak to in connection with the offence and we’re appealing to anyone with information that could assist our enquiries to please get in touch.
"Do you live in the area or were you in the area at the time? Did you witness anything or anyone acting suspiciously? If so, please make contact with police."
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8428 quoting incident number 2137 of 18/02/21.
Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
