AN elderly couple were left terrified after a woman burst into their house in the early hours and robbed them of cash.

Detectives have issued a belated witness appeal to the crime, which happened in Legh Street, Earlestown.

The woman knocked on the couple’s door in the early hours and barged into the house.

She snatched a wallet containing cash and pushed the man, who is in his 80s, on to the bed.

He and his wife were unharmed but badly shaken.

The robber, who was dressed in black with a hood up, left the house and joined a second woman before they both ran down the street shortly after 1.45am on Friday, October 5.

Police have released CCTV of a woman they went to identify in connection with the crime.

DC Chris Loughead from St Helens CID said: "Those who target vulnerable or elderly people are despicable.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw two people in the area of Legh Street at around 1.40am."

A 29-year-old woman from Newton-le-Willows, who was arrested on suspicion of robbery, has been bailed pending further enquiries.