A cowardly burglar who walked into a cottage and stole a 89-year-old’s handbag is being hunted by police.

Police are appealing for witnesses to a burglary at the cottage in Western Avenue, Battle, at 7pm on Sunday June 8.

It is believed the suspect came into the cottage from the garden gate, whilst the 89-year-old victim was in the kitchen, and then left through the front door.

A cream coloured leather handbag with a clip on top was stolen including a brown purse with a Lloyds Bank debit card inside the bag.

There is believed to be one suspect who is described as a white man, aged 15 to 25 and wearing a navy blue top, dark grey shorts and a brown hat.

Any witness or anyone with information is asked to call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 1321 of 8/6. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.