AN elderly woman saw a burglar crawling on his hands and knees as she sat down to lunch.

The 86-year-old was in her flat in Granville Road, Eastbourne, at about 1pm last Friday she saw the man crawling into the lounge.

When she spoke to him he said he was looking for his cat.

Bravely, the woman followed him as he continued his search, which even involved looking through the victim's belongings before leaving.

DC Paul Gray said: "This incident has left the victim distressed and frightened.

"Granville Road is a busy residential area and its highly possible that someone would have seen this man around the time."

The man is described as slim, in his late 20s or early 30s, about 6ft with a fully-shaved head and round face.

He was wearing a grey suit jacket and dark-coloured jeans.

Anyone who recognises him or has any information should contact police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 0752 9/1.