Elderly women left traumatised by south Shropshire raiders

West Mercia Police say a 97-year-old woman who lives in Castle View Terrace, Ludlow, has been left 'very distressed' after thieves forced a downstairs window and stole two handbags between 6.45pm on Monday and 7am yesterday.

Also on Monday, at about 6pm, two men pushed their way into the home of a woman in her 70s in Castlefields, Leominster, after she answered the door.

One of the men held the victim's wrists while the other searched the house and stole a small amount of cash.

Police spokesman Richard Ewels said: "The break-in happened between 6.45pm on Monday and 7am yesterday. We are anxious to hear from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the Castle View Terrace area.

"The bags contained a purse, door key and bank and pension cards."

Mr Ewels asked people to remain vigilant to find any discarded handbags. One is described as having a patchwork quilt effect and the other as small and navy in colour.

Detective Inspector James Bayliss, who is investigating the Leominster burglary, said: "Thankfully the householder was not injured but she has been left completely traumatised by what happened to her."

The offenders are both described as white men in their early 20s. The first man was about 5ft 8ins tall, with a scarf draped over his face completely covering his eyes and a woollen hat on top.

The second man was slightly taller and was also covering his face with material. He smelled of alcohol. Both men were wearing dark clothing and gloves."

Contact police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.