AN ELDERLY woman was injured after she confronted thieves who were stealing from a shop.

The 71-year-old discovered the two men as they were taking cash from a shop till on Sunday and tried to intervene.

She required hospital treatment after she suffered broken fingers and cuts and bruises to her chest and legs in the ensuing scuffle before the men fled the scene.

The theft happened at 4.30pm on Sunday in the Antiques Market in Kings Walk, Winchester.

Having stolen a cash box from the shop, the men ran off in the direction of Friarsgate.

Both are described as white and in their late 20s or early 30s.

One had dark hair and was wearing a grey hooded top and blue jeans.

The other man was wearing a blue t-shirt and a hat.

The cash box, which contained £100, was later found by the police after being discarded by the thieves.

Detective Constable Dan Leese said: “We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen these two men fleeing from the scene that day or anyone who has information about what happened.

“This is a rare incident and the victim was very brave to confront the two men.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Leese on 101, quoting 44160209490, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.