A couple in their 70s have been left shaken by a ‘vicious, professional’ attack on their homeThe couple’s vehicle was damaged in the attack. (Image: Submitted )

A couple in their 70s were left shaken by a ‘vicious’ attack on their home in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Photos shared with the Manchester Evening News show a scene of devastation at the home of David and Eileen Mayall, who have lived in the Taunton area of the town since 1977.

Two bricks were thrown through their front door, while the windscreen and passenger windows of their car and caravan parked on the drive were smashed to pieces. The couple said police told them it was a targeted attack – but one which they believe was on the wrong address.

David, 72, was at home in the living room watching Midsomer Murders at 12:40am on Wednesday (December 10). “Suddenly, all hell broke loose, and there was a terrific crash,” he told the M.E.N.

“I looked into the porch when seconds later another brick came flying through the lounge window. It left glass everywhere, including on me. I was lucky not to suffer any injuries.

A brick was hurled though their porch window (Image: Submitted )

“I went straight to the porch door and saw what looked like two people fleeing.” One of their neighbours said she had seen two figures dressed in black with their faces covered.

David dialled 999, and was still on the phone when police arrived – within three minutes. “The police were brilliant, they took charge of the situation straight away and comforted us,” he said.

They helped David and Eileen to contact their home insurance, who sent somebody out the same night to board up their windows. They expect the cost of their insurance to now go up.

“It has been a shocking experience,” said David. “It’s a good community where we live, nothing like this has happened at all before. The police think it was a targeted attack at the wrong house.

“We don’t owe money to anybody, don’t do drugs. It was vicious, ferocious, but professional.”

Another brick was thrown into the living room (Image: Submitted )

“We were nervous afterwards, and shaken, and a bit concerned for the future as we’re no spring chickens. But we’ve had so much love and support from our family and friends.”

David said they plan to upgrade the security at their home, and hopes that sharing their story might make people ‘more aware’ of how to make their houses more secure.

“It won’t put us off living here,” he said. “I am an eternal optimist and we’re hoping it was an isolated attack. We are fairly resilient people and we’ll get through this.”

Greater Manchester Police confirmed their attendance and said enquiries were ongoing.