Elderly woman attacked in her home

The woman was treated at Tiverton District Hospital

An 88-year-old woman from Tiverton in Devon is recovering after being attacked in her home by a burglar.

The woman was watching television at 2100 GMT on Monday at her home in Crowden Crescent when a man broke in.

He is described as about 5ft 11in with a slim build, and was wearing a long dark overcoat and woollen hat pulled over his face.

Police said there was a struggle between the man and the elderly woman and she was taken to Tiverton District Hospital.

"Extremely shocked"

She was treated for minor injuries and has since been released.

Police constable Sharon Newman of Devon and Cornwall Police said the elderly woman was badly shaken by the incident.

"Last night the lady was extremely shocked, she was taken to Tiverton Hospital with fortunately minor injuries, she then spent the night with relatives.

"Officers involved in this inquiry will be interviewing her in depth later today to find out exactly what happened."