A PENSIONER was confronted in her own home by a stranger who tried to steal her purse..

The incident happened in Newlands, in the Blackhill area of Consett, at about 3pm on Wednesday (April 15).

The 86-year-old victim came down the stairs of her semi-detached home to find a tall, thin man in his twenties in her living room.

The intruder, who is thought to have got into the house through the back door, claimed he had just seen someone run out of the house with a bundle of notes.

He told the woman there was no need to worry as the police had been called.

The man, who was wearing a dark cap and dark top, then sat next to the woman and attempted to take her purse, which she had in her dressing gown.

As he reached across, the victim slapped his hand away and he left the house, apparently empty-handed.

Det Con Lindsay Guest said: “If anyone in the area saw a man matching this description on Wednesday afternoon we would ask them to get in touch.

“Although the victim was not physically hurt she was obviously left very shaken by what had happened.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.