THREE burglars who tried to rob an elderly women fled empty-handed after they were surprised by a neighbour.

The 91-year-old woman was in her house, at Gainford, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, when the men got in at about 12.15pm last Friday.

They entered by the front door and a neighbour saw a man standing at the top of the stairs. A moment later, a second man came out through the lounge door and a third appeared from an upstairs bedroom. All three then pushed past the neighbour and ran out of the house.

The neighbour then found the elderly woman in the kitchen, unaware anyone had been in her home.

Acting Inspector Bill Dutton of Barnard Castle Police, said: "We are appealing for any witnesses to the incident, or sightings of suspicious persons, especially persons purporting to be conducting door-to-door surveys or sales."

One intruder was white, aged 15 to 16, with a heavy build and a chubby face. Another was dark-skinned, possibly Asian, 5ft 8in, aged 17 to 20, and slim. The third man was about 6ft, possibly Asian, aged 29 to 30, slightly stocky with wide shoulders, dark gelled, spiky wet-look hair.

A gold-coloured car was also seen in the area at the time. Anyone with information is asked to call Acting Insp Dutton on (01833) 637328.