POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 90-year-old was burgled while she was at her home in Sherston.

The thief stole highly sentimental jewellery, a blue handbag containing £400 in cash and a number of credit cards.

The victim was sat in the lounge of her bungalow at the time of the burglary, just before 9pm on January 15, when she noticed her shopping trolley had been moved from the spare room.

She switched on the lights throughout the house at which point there was a knock on the door.

Sgt Phil Connor of Malmesbury Police said: “We think one offender was already in the house and one was a look out.

“He probably saw the lights come on and banged on the door to give his accomplice some time to get out.”

The man at the door has been described as 30-40 years old wearing a dark hoody and with his face covered.

“The lady was obviously very upset and shaken. All her neighbours have come round and are all supporting her," Sgt Connor added.

“We have carried out extensive house to house enquiries and we are appealing to anyone who's seen anyone acting suspicious in the Sherston area.”

Officers believe the burglary could be linked to a similar incident which occurred on Bath Road in Tetbury. The man in question in Tetbury was described as 5ft 6ins, of small build, in his mid-20s and wearing dark clothes and a hat.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone who sees any people paying extra attention, even in the daytime, to properties, to call the Wiltshire Police.