A PENSIONER has been left too terrified to go home after a gang of five thieves broke in and ransacked her home.

The 88-year-old woman is understood to have been left extremely shaken after the raid at her home in Rokells, Basildon.

They got in by forcing open a rear window, which they then climbed through, before jemmying open a rear patio door.

Once inside they ransacked the house, stealing various personal belongings, cash and the keys to a gold Saab 93, which they then drove off.

Neighbours said the woman returned home and was utterly devastated by the scene that greeted her. She is thought to be now staying with relatives.

One neighbour, a woman in her fifties, who lives in Rokells, said: “We’ve all heard about what happened.

“It’s really shocking and comes to something when an 88-year-old doesn’t even feel safe in her home anymore. The people who did this are disgusting and they ought to be locked up.”

Another man, aged 60, of The Gore, said: “It is really rough around here. There are always break-ins. This doesn’t surprise me, it’s just sad to hear the lady has taken it so badly.”

Five white men, aged between 16 and 20, are believed to be responsible for the break-in.

Detectives are still probing the burglary, which happened between 1pm and 2pm on Tuesday.

Anyone with information can contact police at Basildon on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.