Burglar confronts pensioner in bedroom

Police say the pensioner was shaken by the ordeal

An 88-year-old woman was forced to hand over the jewellery she was wearing after being confronted by a burglar in her bedroom.

The pensioner woke up in the early hours of Tuesday to find the man in her home in Kirkby, Merseyside.

The burglar demanded money, and also took a gold cross and chain the woman was wearing.

He then took the woman to the kitchen and stole £200 - the pensioner's winter fuel payment.

Distinctive medal

Detective Inspector Kevin Clague, from Kirkby CID, said: "Thankfully, this lady was not physically hurt but she is tremendously shaken by her ordeal.

"The items which were stolen were of great sentimental value, but perhaps more distressing for her is the theft of the winter fuel payment.

"This is an extremely unpleasant crime and we need to find the man responsible quickly."

A distinctive Madonna medal was also stolen during the burglary. It had teeth marks on it made by the woman's grandchildren.

The burglar is described as white, of medium build and was wearing a woollen hat and dark clothes.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Kirkby CID, or Crimestoppers.