AN 88-YEAR-OLD woman has been left with a broken hip after two men raided her Aylesbeare home and fled the scene with only a handful of cash. The woman, who is now recovering in Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, was pushed over by one of the men after she co

AN 88-YEAR-OLD woman has been left with a broken hip after two men raided her Aylesbeare home and fled the scene with only a handful of cash.

The woman, who is now recovering in Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, was pushed over by one of the men after she confronted him during the attack which happened just after midnight on Saturday.

The alarm was raised by concerned neighbours who contacted a warden care service after they heard a banging noise at the woman's house.

Police are now appealing for information and are particularly interested in any suspicious people or vehicles seen in Aylesbeare on the night in question.

Detective Inspector Bill Pascoe said: "This is a horrible crime that left an elderly lady, who had celebrated her 88th birthday the day before, alone and in what must have been a considerable amount of pain.

"Thieves searched her property, stole some of her belongings and then left her alone, not knowing if she would be able to get any help."

One of the men is described as being of heavy build, 5 foot six inches tall and aged in his 30's. He was wearing black gloves and a black plastic type hood which covered his head.

Detective Sergeant Jo Hall, of Exmouth CID, said: "Aylesbeare is a small and safe community. In fact, this is the first crime to be reported in the village this year.

"However, this crime is so serious that I would urge anyone with any information to come forward.

"A full investigation is being conducted but we need the help of the public to catch those responsible for this dreadful crime.

"In the meantime, I would encourage residents to use a few common sense security measures such as ensuring windows and doors are secured when they are not around and report any suspicious incidents to police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should ring police on 08452 777444 quoting crime reference number K0/09/450 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.