AN 83-YEAR-OLD woman was confronted by a robber in her home who stole her purse containing more than £1,000.

The offender broke in to the pensioner's home in Brighton Terrace, Darwen, through the back door.

The woman confronted the raider who snatched a purse which had about £1,100 in cash in it before searching the rest of the house.

The pensioner was uninjured but shaken by the incident which happened between midnight and 1am yesterday.

The robber is described as white, about 5ft 7ins, aged between 25 and 35, with short, brown hair.

The woman said he was wearing a multi-coloured, horizontal striped jumper.

Anybody with information should contact Darwen CID on 01254 353842 or call free phone Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111.