Investigation launched after elderly targeted in multiple robberies in Oldham
Two similar incidents are now being linked by detectives
An 82-year-old man has been injured after being attacked inside his home in Royton, as detectives investigate two aggravated burglaries they believe may be linked.
Officers in Oldham are examining similarities between two attacks on elderly victims, both involving theft of bank cards and demands for PIN numbers.
The most recent attack happened on Mellaieu Street, Royton, at around 7.20pm on 15th February 2026.
The 82-year-old discovered a man hiding beneath his dining table.
The intruder jumped out, overpowered him and struck him on the head with his own walking stick.
He then tied the man’s hands and ankles with a cable, placed him on a chair inside a cupboard and inflicted a further head injury using a knife, causing a laceration.
The attacker stole the man’s wallet and demanded the PIN for his bank card.
The card was later used at around midnight at an ATM on Oldham Road near the junction of the old Edge Lane Launderette.
Despite his injuries, the victim managed to free himself, reach his phone and call his daughter, who alerted police.
He is being treated at Royal Oldham Hospital and is described as safe.
The offender was described as a Black male wearing a covid-style face mask and gloves.
Similar attack days earlier
The description is similar to one given after another aggravated burglary on Roman Road, Royton, at around 11.45pm on 10th February 2026.
In that case, a Black male of large build, approximately six feet tall, with big curly hair and dressed in all black with a yellow high-visibility gilet, was found standing next to an elderly couple’s bed as they slept.
He stole wallets, demanded PIN numbers and held two kitchen knives belonging to the victims.
Their phones were also taken.
The couple reported the intruder brought an unknown liquid with him, poured it into a glass and attempted to force them to drink it.
They did not drink the liquid.
A cable was left behind at the address.
No signs of forced entry
In both cases, there were no signs of forced entry.
Officers believe the man gained access through front doors which had been closed but left unlocked.
Detectives say they cannot yet confirm the two attacks are definitively linked, but there are clear similarities and they believe an individual may be deliberately targeting elderly people in the area for financial gain.
Victims are being supported by officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Zahid Latif from Oldham CID said: “We are taking this extremely seriously.
“Neighbourhood officers are carrying out increased patrols in the area, and Oldham Council and Adult Social Care have been fully briefed.
“Our enquiries are well underway to locate and identify the man responsible for intimidating and committing these horrific crimes against vulnerable members of our community.
“GMP will not tolerate this behaviour. Detectives will be relentless in their search for this offender, and we will use every resource available to bring him into custody. We are here to keep people safe, and that is exactly what we intend to do.
“I want to remind everyone to ensure their windows and doors are locked, even when at home, and to support elderly neighbours or relatives who may feel unsettled at this time.
“If anyone has any information at all, no matter how small it may seem, please contact us on 101, use GMP LiveChat quoting log 39 of 16/02/2026 or call 999 in an emergency.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or through GMP LiveChat quoting log 39 of 16/02/2026, or call 999 in an emergency.