AN ELDERLY woman was violently attacked in her own home after a masked burglar grabbed her.

Police were called after the 85-year-old victim heard a loud noise at her home in St Helens Road, Hastings at 10pm last night.

She saw her porch windows were damaged, and when she her a voice call out to see she was well, she opened her door and was grabbed.

The suspect put his hand over her mouth and forced her to the floor before demanding cash.

He fled empty handed, while the pensioner was left with injuries to her face and hands.

The suspect was a slim white man, 6ft tall, and was clad in all black clothing, including a balaclava.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Shaun Ryan, said: “This was an extremely frightening incident for the vulnerable victim, who was left shaken but thankfully not seriously injured. She has been seen by paramedics to ensure her medical welfare is looked after.

“The incident is being investigated as an aggravated burglary, and we’re urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area around that time to report it. Or, if you have CCTV, door bell or dash cam footage which you think could be relevant to our investigation, please come forward.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should report it online or call 101, quoting serial 1416 of 30/06.