A PENSIONER was thrown to the floor by a young thug who sneaked into her Preston home and stole a handbag.

The 68-year-old woman, who does not want to be named, was watching TV when she heard the doorbell ring.

She went to the door and noticed someone had covered the outside security light. When she returned to the living room, she found a teenager stood there dressed in black.

The woman told the Citizen: "I was very scared. My first instinct was to grab hold of him but he grasped my arms, shoved me aside and ran off with my bag. The whole thing took just seconds. I was in hysterics."

Police dogs searched for the cowardly robber after the incident on Tuesday (Feb 19) at 7.10pm, but he had fled.

Det Sgt Steve Sansbury, of Fulwood CID, said: "The attack could've had more serious consequences. It was deliberately planned out."

It's not the first time the woman, of Farringdon Park, Ribbleton, has been targeted by heartless criminals. Burglars broke into her home on Boxing Day and took Christmas presents and a ring given to her by her late husband.

The pensioner says she now lives in fear and doesn't dare go out. She said: "I was supposed to be going away but I don't feel up to travelling."

Police are anxious to find the culprit and the woman's bag, and urge anyone with information to contact them.

The robber was aged 16-17, clean shaven, had a fair complexion, 5ft 5ins tall, and he wore a bobble hat, jacket and trousers. The shoulder bag is black, has a flap with two zips and a gold badge. If you can help, telephone 209544.

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