A PENSIONER was left deeply shocked after she was robbed and assaulted in her home.

The incident happened as the 77-year-old woman was watching television in her living room in the Glebe area of Washington, Wearside, at about 2am on Saturday.

She was confronted by a man who had entered the house through a downstairs window.

He demanded money and physically assaulted her, before leaving through the front door with her handbag and purse, containing a small amount of cash.

The woman was taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital with minor facial injuries, and was yesterday described as "deeply shocked."

The intruder was 5ft 6ins, slim, aged 20 to 30, with short dark spiky hair, clean shaven and with a round face.

He was wearing a white short-sleeved shirt and dark trousers.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Byrne, who is investigating the incident, said: "This was a nasty attack on an elderly woman in her own home.

"We are asking anyone who saw a man answering this description in the area overnight to contact us, and also anyone who finds a discarded handbag."

Police are also reminding householders to keep downstairs windows secure, even during the current warm spell.

Anyone with information is asked to ring 0191-454 7555, extension 66426.