Burglar dressed as clown raided home of woman, 75

Police have issued a CCTV image of the suspect they are searching for

A burglar dressed as a clown raided the home of an elderly woman after she answered the door to him on Halloween.

The man entered the 75-year-old's home in the village of Wardle after initially asking her for a drink and following her inside, Greater Manchester Police said.

The masked burglar then looted her belongings including a purse containing her mother's wedding ring and bank cards, which the force said have since been used to spend her money.

Det Sgt Ruth Thompson described the incident as "shocking" and said the victim had spent many years helping charities, so it was "particularly grim that someone would exploit her goodwill".

Officers are now appealing for information as they search for the suspect, who struck at 19:10 GMT that evening.

'Particularly grim'

Police said the wedding ring was "of extreme sentimental value" and may have been discarded once the burglar left.

The woman was unhurt but left "shocked and upset".

Det Sgt Thompson said: "This was a shocking incident, which has left a woman feeling unsafe in her own home.

"She has spent many years helping the homeless and working for local charities, so it is particularly grim that someone would exploit her goodwill.

"While I appreciate the image quality isn't the greatest, I hope that someone may recognise the costume and it jogs their memory.

"I would urge anyone with information to please get in touch with us. We have already undertaken multiple enquiries and the public's assistance could greatly benefit our investigation."