A PENSIONER was left shocked and shaken after being confronted by a hooded intruder in the bedroom of her Teesside home.

The 85-year-old woman woke yesterday to find a man standing by her bed, demanding to know where she kept her money.

As he reached out in an apparent move to cover her eyes, she shouted and her 67-year-old son ran into the room.

The man struggled briefly with the burglar, who escaped, taking with him the pensioner's handbag which contained cash and personal papers.

Police said that the woman, who lives in Grangetown, was badly shaken by the ordeal but she was not physically injured.

Detective Sergeant Paul Husband said: "This intruder, who could be in his late teens, had broken into her home shortly after 4am by forcing a ground-floor window.

"It must have been a terrifying ordeal for the lady and her son, who lives with her, and a sobering message for everyone to ensure that doors and windows are left securely locked at night."

Police are going through footage filmed by CCTV cameras in the area.

Anyone who may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area or someone running away is asked to ring (01642) 302626 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.