THE neighbour of a pensioner whose house was broken into while he lay ill in a hospital bed has been charged over the burglary.

A property on Action Road in Burtonwood was targeted during a break-in on Friday, September 6, after the elderly homeowner had been admitted to hospital.

And Ian Massey, of Acton Road, has now been charged following the incident.

The 60-year-old is due to appear at Warrington Magistrates Court today, Friday, having been charged with burglary.

A 56-year-old man who was also held by police on suspicion of burglary has been released with no further action taken.

Stolen property was recovered by officers investigating the break-in.