POLICE are hunting thieves who smashed their way into the Hampshire home of a pensioner, while she was inside.

The 88-year-old's home in Carlton Road, Southampton, was targeted in the middle of the day, when burglars broke in through the back door and stole a number of electrical items and her handbag.

Although the pensioner was home at the time, she did not notice anything suspicious.

Items stolen included a games console, which belongs to the victim's grandson who lives with her, an Apple Macbook laptop and the lady's handbag, which container her purse and cash.

Anyone with information about the burglary, which happened on February 19, should contact Police Staff Investigator Katherine Harding at Shirley police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.