Armed man robs pensioner in her home

The 83-year-old was threatened with a weapon after a man came into her house on Main Street in Thornliebank, East Renfrewshire, on Friday afternoon.

He then rummaged through the woman's handbag and stole a number of her possessions.

Detective Constable Phil Kennedy of Strathclyde Police said: "This man is despicable. Clearly, he has no conscience, preying upon an elderly woman within her own home. The lady was not injured but she is obviously very upset and frightened.

"It's imperative we trace this man and I would appeal to anyone who may have seen him around the time of the incident to please get in touch with us as a matter of urgency."

Police said the suspect is white and around 30 to 40 years old. He had a gaunt appearance and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing a tan jacket and tried to cover his face with a dark-coloured scarf.