A 95-YEAR-OLD woman is recovering today after being threatened and assaulted in her own home for the sake of £20.

Police said the pensioner was in her house in Ruskin Place, Nelson, at 4.40pm on Saturday when she was subjected to 'an horrendous ordeal'.

A man with his face covered up forced his way in to her home and ran towards her.

He got hold of the elderly woman and threw her on the floor while he searched the house.

The man threatened her and asked for her money but fled from the house with a black zip top leather-effect purse containing £20, a bus pass and a set of keys. He was described as white, 5ft 10ins, with his face covered possibly with a white scarf.

He was thin and wearing dark clothing.

The pensioner, who did not want to be identified, was taken to Burnley General Hospital for treatment after suffering from shock and bruising to her arms.

Det Insp Steve Chard said: "If anyone has seen someone of this description in the area they should contact us as soon as possible as it was a very nasty incident."

Anyone with information should contact Nelson CID on 01282 472643 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.