AN intruder walked into an elderly woman's home and stole her purse while she looked on helplessly.

The 83-year-old victim was sitting in the living-room at her flat at Roebuck Homes in Dalton when the thief walked in through the back door at 1.15pm on Monday.

The intruder said nothing, but stole her purse and then left.

The description is someone wearing a knee-length black coat with a big black hood.

Pc Dave McSweeney, of Huddersfield police, said: "We would certainly like to speak to anyone seen acting suspiciously in the area yesterday afternoon.

"They may have got a look at the thief's face."

Contact Pc Peter Warwick on 01484 436664.