A woman was subjected to a terrifying ordeal after interrupting a burglar as he raided her Hampshire home.

The 48-year-old woman left her house in Appletree Close, Calmore, locked and secure.

When she returned to the property just ten minutes later, she heard someone upstairs, who she thought was her lodger.

But when she went upstairs she disturbed the burglar and a scuffle took place.

The thief fell, allowing the homeowner to run downstairs and dial 999.

But as she was making the frantic emergency call, the lone raider put his hand over the woman’s mouth and assaulted her by punching her in the face and stomach, before kicking her in the face.

The vicious attack left the woman unconscious, allowing the burglar to escape with gold jewellery, two silver bangles, high street shopping vouchers and two keyrings.

The woman suffered grazes and bruises to her face and a swollen hand, as a result of the incident.

Police have described the burglar as white, of slim build and aged between 22 and 25 years old.

crosshead He was around 5ft 6in tall and was wearing a black hoody with the hood up, a black woolly hat and a black scarf.

He also had dark eyes, thick eyebrows and spoke in a deep voice.

Anyone with information on the burglary, which took place around 3.20pm on Friday December 14, should call Lyndhurst CID on 101.