A PENSIONER held captive as two men raided her home managed to escape into the street to scream for help.

The 73-year-old was left traumatised after the men burst into her bungalow at about 6.30pm on Thursday wielding a stick.

She was held by one of the men, who stood threatening her with the stick, at her home in Rossendale Close, Marske, east Cleveland.

The pair raided the property after they entered it through the unlocked kitchen door.

The ordeal lasted about ten minutes before the woman escaped and ran into the street.

As she stood shouting for help, the two men, who had stolen money from the house, ran past her.

Detective Sergeant Nick Owen, of Redcar CID, said: "This was a shocking, cowardly attack on a vulnerable lady. It must have been a terrifying experience for her."

The men, who were white and wore dark clothes, spoke with Teesside accents. It is believed they both wore gloves.

They fled down an alleyway leading to Sherwood Drive.

Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 302626.