DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a confrontational burglary against a woman in her 80s in Rainhill.

The woman was in her Trent Road home when a man pushed past her after she answered the door to him.

Once inside, the man searched through cupboards in the property before leaving empty-handed.

The man is described as white, aged between 35 and 40 years, and with thinning hair. He was wearing a navy blue waterproof jacket and a black baseball cap.

Officers are appealing for anyone who has seen a man fitting this description in the area around this time, or who has any information about the burglary, to contact police.

Police say the victim was left shaken, but uninjured.

The incident happened at around 3.30pm on Friday, June 30.

Detective Constable Jeff Huxley said: "It beggars belief than someone would invade an elderly woman's home, confront her and search through her possessions.

"Thankfully, the victim was not seriously injured but was left understandably shaken by this ordeal. She is being supported by police, family, friends and neighbours at this time. We are determined to identify the man responsible and bring him to justice.

"I am appealing to anyone with information as to who was involved to search their conscience and contact us now."

Anyone with information can call Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.