An 81-year-old woman was subjected to a "frightening" ordeal when she was tied up by thieves in her own home.

The pensioner is said to have returned to her Lyminge home last Wednesday at around 10.30pm when three men forced her inside.

They then searched the house and stole cash, leaving the woman tied to a chair.

She managed to free herself and call police, and was left unhurt but shocked.

The suspects are all in their twenties. Two were about 5ft 4ins to 5ins tall and wearing black clothing. The other man was taller - about 5ft 8ins - and was wearing a light blue sweatshirt and blue jogging bottoms.

"We believe that this woman was targeted because it was thought that she may have money in her home" - Det Insp Louise Ludwig

Det Insp Louise Ludwig said: "We believe that this woman was targeted because it was thought that she may have money in her home.

"This was a frightening experience for the victim and we would appeal to anyone with information to contact police as soon as possible."

Officers have been carrying out house to house enquiries in the area to check whether the men were spotted in the area earlier in the evening.

The robbery is not connected to the robbery at the Co-op in the nearby village of Sellindge on Tuesday.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Constable Jacqui Mennie at Kent Police on 01303 289406 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.