Woman, 88, rattled after hallway confrontation with housebreaker

police are hunting a man who broke into the home of an 88-year-old woman and stole a four-figure sum of cash while she was still in the house.

The man forced his way in through a rear window at Nigel Rise, Livingston, and confronted her in the hallway.

He then made his way through the house before leaving through the front door with the cash.

The burglary took place at around 10am on Wednesday.

The man is described as white, 32 to 33-years-old, 5ft 2ins to 5ft 3ins tall and slim, with short dark hair and sharp features. He was wearing a dark baseball cap, dark long-sleeved top, dark tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.

A police spokesman said: "The elderly homeowner wasn't injured, however she is understandably distressed as a result of what happened, and we are appealing for any information that can help us trace the suspect."

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in anonymity on 0800 555 111.