An elderly woman tried to fight off a burglar with a shoe horn after he walked through her unlocked front door.

The burglary took place on Sunday, around 3.20pm, in the Fernheath Road area of Bournemouth.

Detectives say the woman, who is in her 80s, was at home when the man opened her unlocked front door and walked inside.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "The offender spoke to the victim and she asked him what he wanted. He replied that he wanted a glass of water before he walked past her and into her bedroom.

"The victim picked up a plastic shoe horn and her phone and began to call the police.

"As the offender returned from the bedroom, the victim hit the man with the shoe horn. He pushed the victim onto the sofa before picking up her handbag and leaving via the front door."

The victim was not physically injured.

The offender is described as white, five feet 10 inches tall and with dark hair. He was wearing dark trousers, a dark long sleeved top with a T-shirt underneath. The victim’s handbag is described as a large black shoulder bag.

Detective Constable Symon Clarke urged anyone who discovered the handbag to call the police immediately.

“Finally, I would like to remind residents to ensure they keep their doors locked and secure even if they are at home to prevent their home from being targeted", he added.

Anyone with information should call 101.