A WOMAN in her 80s was left distressed after being threatened and having her home burgled in the early hours of the morning.

At around 4am on Thursday, July 23 a man forced entry into her property on Old Whint Road, Haydock and stole her purse and a gold wristwatch.

The man untidily went through the house and threatened the woman in her bedroom, demanding cash and searching through drawers.

He stole her black coloured purse and made off through the back door and the woman, who contacted police, later discovered a wristwatch had also been taken.

She was uninjured but left extremely distressed by the ordeal.

Detectives are appealing for any information on the burglary.

The man is described as white, around 5ft 7in tall, of slim build and in his twenties. He spoke with a local accent and was wearing a black hooded top.

A full search of the area was carried out by officers with house to house enquiries have taken place. The woman's home has been forensically examined and CCTV from the area is being sought.

Detective Constable Roy Waller said: “This is a despicable crime and I can only imagine how terrifying it must have been for this woman.

“Everyone should be able to feel safe in their own home and I want to reassure residents that incidents like this are extremely rare. We are doing everything we can to establish the full circumstances and trace the man responsible.

"I would also urge people to keep their homes secure. In this case, the house was secure, but longer days and rising temperatures mean lots of people are spending more time outside. The summer months can be an invitation to criminals on the lookout for insecure houses and sheds to burgle or bicycles to steal.

"There can be a temptation to leave doors and windows open or unlocked as the weather gets warmer, but please remember to be vigilant. Burglars are opportunists so please don’t make it easy for them.

"If you would like more information about how to keep you and your property safe, visit www.merseyside.police.uk/advice-and-protection/ or contact your local crime prevention officer.

“I would appeal to the public to contact us if they have any information on this incident. Any information, no matter how small, could help our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 6013 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.