AN elderly woman was burgled at knifepoint as she watched television in her Wallasey home.

Merseyside Police is appealing for witnesses following the confrontational burglary on Thursday evening.

Two offenders approached the house in Comely Bank Road shortly before 6pm while the homeowner - a 79-year-old woman - was watching TV.

The pair smashed a window at the back of the property and climbed through it in order to confront the pensioner. 

One of the offenders - who is described as being white and wearing a black hooded top - was carrying an orange-handled knife.

The other was wearing a light grey hooded top and was unarmed.

The offenders carried out a brief search of the property before stealing the woman's black leather purse containing a quantity of cash.

Detectives believe they then left the house through the same window and may have ran off down Clifton Grove or Water Street towards Liscard Road.

The victim was left extremely upset but uninjured.

Detective Inspector Rachel Wilson from Wirral CID, said: "This was a despicable and cowardly crime committed against a member of our community and I am calling on people to help us catch the two people responsible. This lady was simply in her own home watching TV early on Thursday evening when they have broken in and confronted her. Thankfully she was not hurt by them but the ordeal has left her extremely distressed and fearful. It is important that we catch the offenders and bring them to justice as soon as possible.

"Neighbourhood officers in Wallasey will be on highly visible patrols in the coming days to reassure the public and to gather information. We believe there may have been people seen acting suspiciously in this area in recent weeks and I am keen to hear from anyone with information about who these people might be."

Anyone with information should call Wirral CID burglary team on 0151 777 2246 or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.