Fire alert used to rob woman

A 92-year-old woman had hundreds of pounds stolen by an intruder who broke into her home claiming there was a fire next door.

The intruder ran into the woman's living room where she was watching television and told her to get her coat and money together and leave the house.

As she reached for her coat, the man - who had smashed glass in the front door to get into the house - went through her handbag and went into her bedroom.

He stole £660 before making his escape.

Police say the Friday evening break-in in Thruxton, near Andover, Hampshire, was the latest in a spate of similar incidents.

They are urgently trying to trace a man seen walking two dogs nearby.