A 96-year-old woman was confronted by burglars in her own bedroom, as they woke her in the middle of the night.

The pensioner was awoken by the burglars at 4am this morning at her home in Weston.

She woke up as two men passed her bed, one of whom told her “it's alright”.

But she later discovered that £50 and a gold watch of great sentimental value to her, had been stolen.

The nine-carat gold, Longines watch was presented to her by former colleagues and was engraved with the message “Presented to L.C. for 25 years service”.

The two men were dressed in black or dark clothing and had their hoods up.

Police had originally said the woman was 97 years old.

Police officers are now appealing for witnesses as they bid to track down the thieves.

Detective Constable David Wheeler said: “A vulnerable and elderly victim has been targeted by these men who took not only money but a watch which is virtually irreplaceable.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Wheeler at Bitterne CID on 101.