Cowardly broom attack on Weston pensioner

A pensioner was attacked in her own home by a woman armed with a broom.

The 80-year-old was in bed when the woman rang the doorbell late on Monday night.

The pensioner opened the door with a security chain on but the woman used the broom handle to break the chain and got into the house.

She attacked the owner and stole bank cards and jewellery.

Police were called out at 10.50pm on Monday after reports of a woman acting suspiciously in Thirlmere Road, Weston-super-Mare.

Initial reports said that the woman, who was carrying a broom, was knocking on the doors of houses claiming she had lost her grandmother.

When officers arrived they were told that a pensioner, who has not been named, had face and hand injuries.

The victim told police that she was in bed when someone rang her door bell.

She got out of bed and answered the door using a security chain.

She was confronted by a young woman who said she was pregnant and needed a glass of water.

The 80-year-old refused and started to shut her door but the younger woman forced it open and used a broom handle to remove the chain.

The younger woman forced her way into the house and stopped the owner from activating her security alarm.

The suspect stole bank cards and a jewellery box before running off.

She is described as a slim white woman aged between 20 and 24, who was 5ft 8in tall.

She had dark hair tied into a shoulder-length pony tail, and was wearing a dark waist-length jacket and black leggings.

Anyone with any information about the identity of the suspect is being urged to call Weston police on 0845 456 7000 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.