A WIRRAL grandmother has recalled the terrifying moment gold necklaces were ripped from her neck by a knife-wielding thug.

Margie Hesketh was at home in Rock Ferry last Thursday morning when there was a knock at the door.

She answered the door to a man who pushed his way past her and into the house.

The thug slashed Margie’s hands with the blade and severed a tendon in her left hand, which now needs an operation.

Margie, 65, told the Globe today: “This is the first time anything like this happened in the 13 years I have lived here.

"As soon as I saw the knife it was terrifying. He looked like he was high on something.

"He had his hands around my neck and all he said was ‘give me your necklace’. That’s when the knife appeared from nowhere.

"I tried to keep calm and talk him out of it. He twisted the chains around my neck and dragged me to my feet.

"Since then I will not go out of the house.

"My friend Kerrie has stayed at the house with me this week. The only time I’ve been out is to get to her car."

The eight chains, which have pendants on them, were bought by Margie and late husband Cliff and are of great sentimental value.

Margie said: "It's not so much the financial value of the necklaces that matters, it’s more the personal value.

"They can’t be replaced. I'd just like them back.

"When the door went, I put my dog Alfie out in back garden, thinking it was the postman with a parcel I was expecting.

"If Alfie had gone to the front door he may have been hurt and I couldn’t have lived with myself if that happened."

Detective Inspector Paul Denn said: "This must have been a very frightening experience for the victim which has taken place in her own home.

"Thankfully incidents such as this extremely are rare and we are working hard to trace the offender.

"Patrols have been stepped up in this area to reassure residents, with extra police visibility.

"I would urge anyone who has any information about this incident especially anyone who was in the area at the time who may have seen a man fitting the description to come forward."

The attacker was white, aged between 20 to 30, of slight build and short dark hair. He was wearing a dark blue hooded jacket and dark trousers.

Anyone with information should call police on 0151 777 2260 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.