Tied up and burgled: terrifying ordeal for Christchurch woman in her 80s

When she opened the door, she was confronted by a man and a woman wearing scarves over their faces. They forced themselves into her home, tied her to a chair with cable ties and stole cash and jewellery before leaving.

The victim managed to free herself and contact the police. She suffered bruising.

The incident happened in the Oak Avenue area of Christchurch at around 9.30pm on Wednesday, 1 February. Detective Sergeant Andy Haworth, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim in her own home.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed two people acting suspiciously to contact police or call Crimestoppers anonymously.

“Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team will be carrying out high-visibility patrols over the coming days to reassure the community and offer support and advice.”