Blind 96-year-old woman robbed in her own home

Ethel Rand says she's frightened after what happened Credit: MEN Syndication

A blind 96-year-old woman from Heywood has been robbed in her own home.

Thieves entered Ethel Rand's flat last Wednesday and took money from her purse and from her electricity bill funds. Ethel was sitting in her living room while the thief entered the property.

She only discovered what happened later when she came across her empty purse left on her bed. Around £180 was taken.

The culprit is believed to have known the key lock code which houses the key to the flat. They have left and put the key back. The device is used to allow family, friends, and nurses to gain easy access.

The robbery may have been carried out by someone Ethel knows Credit: MEN Syndication

Ethel's friends and family say they're disgusted by what's happened.

Lisanne, who is a nurse, met Ethel who at the time was a patient and set up a Just Giving page was set up to try and get the cash back - and within just six minutes, the amount was reached. Since then, generous people have given more than four times that amount, with the total reaching almost £800.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the burglary and urge anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or the non-emergency police number 101.