Pensioner left bound and gagged

An 82-year-old woman is in a serious condition in hospital after being left gagged and bound by burglars who stole just £50.

Police have condemned the incident as "wicked and unbelievable" and have said the victim could have died.

The incident happened on Tuesday night when two men in their 20s broke into the house in the Merseypark area of Tranmere, Merseyside.

They ransacked the house and dragged the elderly woman down the stairs, causing her a serious hip injury.

They then blindfolded her and gagged her before leaving with £50 in cash and credit cards.

The victim, who is being treated in the trauma unit at Arrowe Park Hospital, The Wirral, was found yesterday morning by her milkman.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.