A PENSIONER was attacked while in bed after an intruder broke into her bungalow.

The 80-year-old was asleep at her home in Sycamore Close, Burnley, at 5.35am on Sunday when the intruder forced open the downstairs window.

He then made his way through the house and entered the lady's bedroom. He grabbed hold of her and then frantically shook her demanding to know where the money was kept.

The lady managed to pull a panic cord which is connected to a 24 hour emergency service, Eldercare.

He left the house with her purse and £20 in cash.

Detective Constable Dave Groombridge said: "The man made off as soon as he realised the lady had made a call for help.

"She was left shaken by the experience but a relative was called immediately to be with her. Police later recovered her purse on a nearby street, although the cash had been taken."

The lady managed to put together a brief description of the offender.

He is described as a white male, aged between 18 and 25 and wearing a blue hooded jacket.

Gannow ward councillor Alice Thornber, said: "There has been a spate of incidents relating to the vulnerable, especially the elderly in recent months.

"The problem is that the area is getting very run down. At one time this was classed as a middle class area but now it is getting more like Burnley Wood.

"We are having a public meeting to try and get more funding and to address the current situation.

"MP Peter Pike will be at the meeting to be held at the Grey Mare, Gannow Lane, Burnley, on Friday at 7pm.

Anyone with information about the attack should contact DC John Yardley at Burnley CID on 01282 472144.