A "cowardly" thief confronted an elderly Clacton woman on her doorstep and grabbed her handbag after stealing from her home.

The 78-year-old woman returned home in the dark after she had been out.

As she reached the front door of the house in Lancaster Gardens, Clacton, the man climbed over the back gate of the house and confronted the pensioner on the doorstep.

He then grabbed her handbag and made his escape.

When the woman, who lives alone, got inside she discovered the thief had already been through the house and stolen cash, jewellery and a torch together valued at £520.

Det Sgt Mick Ornellas, of Clacton police, said the woman was not injured but had been shaken and upset by the theft.

"The man had already grabbed a haul from the house but then felt it necessary to confront a vulnerable elderly woman and snatch her handbag on the doorstep of her own home," he said.

"This was a particularly cowardly act and we are keen to trace this man."

The handbag which was stolen was quite unusual and police feel it may have been discarded once its contents had been taken.

It was a light brown American Cherokee bag and had a leather lock on it.

Det Sgt Ornellas said it was of sentimental value and the woman was keen to recover it.

"Unfortunately, because it was dark, she only has a limited description of the intruder," he added.

The thief was young, white, of medium build and wore dark clothing.

The burglary took place at about 6.15pm on Friday, but details have only just been released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Clacton police on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

By Nigel Brown

Reporter's e-mail: nigel_brown@thisisessex.co.uk

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