AN ELDERLY woman was woken to find a burglar in front in the bedroom of her Dorset home in the early hours.

Police have launched an investigation into the "extremely frightening" incident.

The woman was asleep at her home when she heard a noise at around 5am on Sunday, April 25.

She woke to find a man in front of her. The victim screamed and the man left the address, which is off Abbott's Way in Gillingham.

The victim's handbag containing her purse was stolen during the burglary, but it was later found discarded on Rolls Bridge Way. The purse remains missing.

It is believed the front door had been left unlocked.

The suspect is described as white, either of a tanned or grubby complexion, with short hair and aged in his late teens or early 20s.

PC Matt Weldon, of North Dorset police, said: “This was clearly an extremely frightening incident for the victim in the very place she should have felt safe.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the relevant time and either saw someone acting suspiciously, or a man matching the description given, to please contact Dorset Police.

"I would like to remind everyone to ensure they have their doors and windows locked, especially overnight or when in the garden.

“Finally, I would ask any motorists who were travelling in the area of Abbott’s Way or Rolls Bridge Way and may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210064647.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.