POLICE in Worcestershire are appealing for witnesses after an elderly woman was threatened by masked burglars at her home in Fairfield.

The burglary is one of two incidents through to be linked in Bromsgrove and Worcester.

The first incident is thought to have taken place at a property on Stourbridge Road in Fairfield on Tuesday, November 17.

At approximately 6pm two men forced their way into the house through the back door, and knocked down the occupant, an elderly woman, before threatening her and leaving with cash and some jewellery.

The two men are described as wearing jeans and trainers, while their faces were covered.

A second burglary took place in the St John’s area of Worcester later the same evening, where an elderly man was punched in the face, and police believe that may have been carried out by the same men.

The men in the second burglary are described as approximately 30 years old and of a thin build. One of the men was thought to be wearing a black jacket while the other wore a brown jacket.

Detective Sergeant Suzanne Breay, who is leading the investigation, said: "These are undoubtedly worrying incidents and both victims were shaken, but thankfully not seriously injured, during the offence. We are working to trace the individuals responsible and ask the local community to contact police if they saw anyone acting suspiciously in or around the area at the time of the offence.

"We have increased our patrols in the area and would like to reassure the local community that we are working hard to trace these offenders as quickly as possible."

Anyone who has any further information in relation to these incidents is asked to get in touch with police by calling 101 and quoting the incident references 888s and 571s of the November 17. Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.