AN elderly woman has been left “very shaken” after coming across an armed burglar in her home at night.

The woman came across the man, who threatened her with a knife, in the dining room of her house in Oxford Road.

She said he pointed an object, covered by a piece of cloth, at her and told her it was a knife. He then made off through a window.

After he had gone she discovered a three-figure sum of cash had been stolen.

PC Claire Jennings, of Colchester Police, said: “Thankfully this sort of incident is very rare in Colchester, but nevertheless it has left this lady very shaken.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who recognises the description of the man or who saw something suspicious that night."

The man is described as white, about 5ft 11ins, of a broad and stocky build and was aged between 20 and 26.

He had an Essex accent and an unkempt appearance. He had a large face, a wide mouth and a large gap between his teeth.

He was wearing grey trousers and trainers which had a white band around the top.

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened at 11pm on Monday, is asked to call PC Jennings at Colchester police station on 0300 333 4444 or anonymously at Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.