Woman, 76, attacked in her own home during night

AN ELDERLY woman was attacked by an intruder in her own home in the middle of the night, police said yesterday.

The 76-year-old was assaulted at about 4am in Springfield Terrace in Dunblane, near Stirling.

The woman, who has not been named by police, was taken to Stirling Royal Infirmary, where she is receiving treatment.

Last night Central Scotland police appealed for information. Detective Inspector Ronnie Isles said: "This type of incident is extremely rare and we appeal for anyone who may have been in this area around 3:30am-4am. They may have been coming from or going to work. The inquiry is at a very early stage and we are unable to give out any further details at present."

Police said they could not say whether or not anything was stolen from the woman's home.

Yesterday the area around the terraced house was cordoned off by officers. Residents reported a man in the area on Friday knocking on doors.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said: "He was trying to find out how old my mum and dad were, if they lived alone and whether they were infirm. This is extremely worrying."