AN elderly woman disturbed a would-be burglar she caught climbing through her bathroom window.

The 86-year-old was left frightened but unharmed after finding the intruder trying to get into her bungalow near Durham City.

The pensioner had earlier ignored her doorbell being rung at her home in the village of West Rainton, but went to investigate a rattling sound in the bathroom, where she found a man attempting to get through the bathroom window, his legs straddling either side of the frame.

The man, who was in his early 30s, climbed out of the window when he saw the elderly householder and ran off.

The incident happened in the Hall Lane area of the village between 11am and 11.30am on October 7.

The burglar is described as being slim, with short black hair, dark eyes and acne scars on his face. He was wearing dark clothing including a zipped tracksuit top.

PC Graham Ling said: "Fortunately the would-be burglar did not get into this lady’s home but it was a frightening experience for her.

"I would appeal to anyone who thinks they may have spotted him in the Hall Lane area to contact us."

Durham City police can be contacted via the non-emergency number on 0345 6060 365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.