POLICE are hunting robbers who attacked a disabled woman and ransacked her home.

The 52-year-old, who uses a walking stick because of a back injury, was attacked outside her house in Hargrove Avenue, Burnley, on Monday night after going into the back yard when she heard a noise.

She was grabbed from behind and pinned against the back gate while one of the robbers pressed what was believed to be a knife to her neck.

Police said she was held for several minutes while a second man raided the house stealing a purse and some tablets.

Eventually both men fled the scene leaving the woman lying in the yard.

The victim, who was left shaken but unhurt, managed to crawl back into the house, which had been ransacked during the raid, and telephone police.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the robbery or anybody who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time of the attack, which happened at around 8.20pm, to call them on 01282 472149.

A police spokesman said: "This was a very serious incident which left a disabled woman severely traumatised by what had happened to her. We would urge anyone with information to get in touch with us so we can track down these offenders as quickly as possible."