A MAN and his teenage accomplice smashed their way into a pensioner s home and barred her from leaving while they searched through her belongings. The terrified 81-year-old woman, who lives alone, confronted the intruders after they kicked down her front

A MAN and his teenage accomplice smashed their way into a pensioner's home and barred her from leaving while they searched through her belongings.

The terrified 81-year-old woman, who lives alone, confronted the intruders after they kicked down her front door on Monday afternoon.

They told her they had caught a black man outside the property and needed to search to see if anything had been stolen.

But as they rifled through her belongings, breaking a drawer lock and stealing £180 in cash, they prevented her from leaving the house in Ely's Juniper Drive.

When they fled, the terrified victim dialled 999 but despite detectives and the police helicopter searching the area the men escaped.

Detective sergeant Tim Underhill, from Ely police, said: "There was an unusual level of violence during this offence. These men used deception as a back up when they were confronted. Their victim was very shaken and upset. They blocked her exit from the house.

"We would urge people to keep their doors locked, use door chains and spy holes and be vigilant. We would also encourage people to look out for their elderly neighbours and report anything suspicious."

The break-in happened around 3.30pm and the men were described as white and wearing black jackets and black gloves.

One man was aged in his mid to late teens and the other was around 40-years-old.

INFO: anyone with information about this offence or the men involved should contact Ely police on 0845 456 4564 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.