A BURGLAR robbed an 85-year-old woman in her sheltered housing flat.

The elderly woman was asleep as the intruder attempted to snatch rings off her fingers.

But she was woken and used a panic alarm pendant to call for help as the thief repeatedly demanded money before pulling two gold chains from her neck, causing them to snap.

Police suspect the thief had climbed through an open window into her first-floor flat at Wellington Court, Batley at around 1am on Friday.

The man had used a set of ladders to climb through a window she had left open.

He is described as white, about 5ft 4in tall, aged about 18, slim and ‘jittery’.

He had a pale complexion and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing a dark hooded top and dark trousers.

The two chains stolen were 16-18 inches long, one with a locket pendant and the other with a small cross encrusted with blue stones.

Both items are said to have great sentimental value.

Anyone with information should contact PC 6242 Oliver Scoones at Dewsbury CID on 01924 431086 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.