DETECTIVES are hunting an attacker who broke into a pensioner's home in Burnley and robbed her at knifepoint.

The thief sneaked in to the 79-year-old's house in Thames Avenue at about 6pm on Tuesday.

Police said he grabbed a knife from the kitchen before making his way into the front room where he confronted the pensioner and threatened her with the blade.

She was then pushed to the floor and the thug made off with a handbag containing water and gas meter cards.

The victim was left shaken but unhurt.

Police hunting the robber and appealed for witnesses to come forward and help them catch the man.

Insp Damian Darcy, of Burnley police, said: "This was a callous and horrendous crime on a vulnerable old lady in her own home.

"Fortunately she was unhurt, but obviously shocked by what has happened to her.

"This appalling crime happened when it was still daylight and we would appeal to anybody in the area who may have seen anything suspicious to come forward.

"It may be that someone has been seen hanging around the area in the days before this crime or that the offender has been seen running away from the scene.

"We would particularly ask for anyone who may have CCTV to come forward as they may have captured the offender on camera."

Police said the robber was white, slim, with jet black hair, a dirty face, 26-28 years, and 5ft to 5ft 8ins.

He was wearing a blue sports shirt and dark jeans.Anyone with information should call police on 01282 425001.