POLICE are investigating after thieves stole an "extremely realistic" replica revolver during a raid on the home of an 80-year-old woman in Accrington.

Detective Sergeant Nigel Watson said that it was "very worrying" the high-quality replica weapon should be stolen.

Mr Watson, of Accrington CID, said the incident had left the elderly occupant of the house, on Maudsley Street, shaken, even though she was out at the time. Police are making inquiries into why the woman was in possession of the imitation gun.

The gun had brown hand grips and was held in a brown holster. It is valued at £200.

The burglars also stole three watches, a metal safe, cash, a pension book and a cheque book. The total value of the stolen items is £419.

Mr Watson said: "It is worrying the replica revolver has been stolen.

"Most people would really struggle to tell the difference between this gun and the real thing.

"We are keen for anyone with any information to contact the police immediately."

It is illegal to carry a replica weapon in public and police estimate replicas are used in 80 per cent of all firearms offences.