A woman in her 70s was tied up and threatened by a burglar during a terrifying break-in at her home in the early hours of this morning.

Her ordeal started at around 4am when a man broke into her home on Japonica Way in Norton, Stockton.

The intruder tied the woman’s arms and legs before stealing her bank card.

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The Northern Echo: The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday, July 2The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday, July 2 (Image: Terry Blackburn)

She has been left with facial injuries and is badly shaken.

Cleveland Police is now investigating.

A force spokesman said: “It was reported that a male intruder bound the victim’s arms and legs and stole her bank card before making numerous threats.

“Officers believe the suspect then fled the scene by climbing over the rear fence of the address.

“The victim was taken to hospital for facial injuries and shock and has been left extremely shaken by the incident.”

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The suspect was believed to have been wearing a dark coloured fur-lined hooded parka-style coat and grey bottoms.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information or anyone with CCTV footage to contact the police on 101, quoting incident number 129260.

Police would like to see CCTV footage of any male seen in the area between 3am and 6am even if the clothing is different. Footage can be uploaded here.