Police are appealing for information after an 85-year-old woman discovered an intruder in her home in the early hours of this morning.

The man demanded money and left when she handed over an amount of cash.

The pensioner was alone in her house on Welham Road in Norton, North Yorkshire when she woke up at 3am to find the man upstairs. She was shaken by the incident, but uninjured and was yesterday being supported by friends and family.

Detectives now want to hear from anyone who may know the identity of the man, or who saw anything suspicious in the area.

Inspector Neil Burnett from Malton Police, said: "This is a nasty incident preying on an elderly lady who must have been terrified. I urge anyone with information to come forward.

"Ryedale is one of the safest districts in the country and thankfully this type of incident is rare but it is important that we catch this offender as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01723) 509662.