A PENSIONER was left needing hospital treatment after a burglar broke into her Leigh home and assaulted her. 

The break-in happened in Leigh when a man used a garden ladder to enter a house through an open bedroom window at 6am on Sunday, September 15.

The occupant, a woman in her 70s, who was asleep, was awoken by the noise created by the intruder and confronted him as he stole £2,000 worth of jewellery. He attacked and punched her in the face before leaving with the jewellery. The house is situated near to the junction of Southsea Avenue, Rectory Grove and Broadway West.

Detectives have been left "shocked and angry” by the incident. 

Investigating Officer, Dc Alex Brooks, said: "We’re appealing for early-morning workers, dog-walkers or those returning home that Sunday after a night out on the town and who saw a suspicious-looking man in the vicinity of this junction.

"We would take this opportunity to also remind people to clear their gardens of any furniture or items which criminals could use to gain entry to houses. Ladders and tables should be kept indoors or a secure shed.”

The burglar is described as white, is of average build, and is approximately 5ft 6ins tall.

The woman was treated at the scene by paramedics and then taken to Southend Hospital where she was given further medical support and discharged later that day. She is now recovering with nearby relatives.

Wishing to remain anonymous, the victim said: "I have been left completely shocked by this intrusion into my private life not to mention the anger I have for this man for punching me in the face in my own home.

"I would urge people to help the police catch my attacker so that he is brought to justice and pays for what he has done to me.”

Anyone with information in connection with this burglary is urged to contact detectives at Southend police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.