A burglar awoke an elderly woman as he was going through her handbag in her St Ives bedroom in the early hours of the morning, police have said.

Officers are appealing for information relating to the burglary at a property in Trelawney Avenue, St Ives, which took place at around 4.45am on Sunday, July 17.

The owner of the property, a woman in her sixties, was disturbed by a noise and discovered a man in her bedroom attempting to steal from her handbag.

A police spokesperson said: "The suspect fled from the scene and nothing was taken. The victim was left shaken but unharmed. It is believed that the suspect gained entrance via an unsecured door.

"The suspect is described as a slim male, 5”10 tall and wearing a white t-shirt. Police are asking people to ensure that their doors and windows are secure, especially during such warm weather."

Anyone with information that could help with this investigation should contact police by email at 101@dc.police.uk or by calling call 101, quoting crime reference CR/048570/16.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or reporting online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

More information about keeping your home secure can be found on the police website at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/prevention-and-advice/your-home