DETECTIVES are hunting burglars that tied up an elderly woman and ransacked her home.

The Poole woman was put through the terrifying ordeal at her home in Egmont Road, Hamworthy, on Monday, police said.

The offenders made off with cash and jewellery.

Detectives are looking to trace a dark-coloured VW Golf, with the registration number GU02 FKY, which they believe may have been used by the culprits.

The aggravated burglary happened at around 9pm on Monday.

The woman, who is in her 70s, was home alone when two men knocked on the front door and forced their way into the property.

They tied her up with duct tape and took cash and jewellery before leaving.

She was uninjured in the incident, police said.

One of the offenders is described as white, around 5ft 6ins tall, around 45 years old and of stocky build. He was wearing a black scarf over his face, a dark woolly hat and dark clothing and gloves.

The second offender is described as white, taller than the first offender, in his mid-30s, of slim build, clean shaven with a long thin face. He was wearing a dark woolly hat, dark zip up jacket, dark trousers and gloves.

Detective Sergeant Neil Wright, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was obviously a frightening ordeal for the victim, who was thankfully not injured.

“I would like to trace the whereabouts of this specific VW Golf and am appealing for information.

“Anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area at the time of the incident or may know the location of the vehicle should contact me on 101.

“All calls will be treated in strict confidence.”

No arrests have been made as yet.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 4:386. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.