AN 86 year-old woman had her handbag stolen from her home by a burglar this morning.

Police said the woman heard a noise coming from her kitchen in Hawkshaw Avenue, Darwen, between 10am and 10.30am and walked in to find a white middle-aged burglar had entered her home through an unlocked door.

He ran off when he saw her and took her small black handbag which contained a red purse with a silver clasp with about £20 inside.

Anyone with information should call police.