A Dartford pensioner was left "shaken" after a burglar casually strolled into her home and swiped cash.

The 66-year-old was in her front room in Princes Road when the stranger walked in through the back door. Without saying a word he walked up to a cabinet, took a mauve purse containing £65, and walked back out the door. The victim tried to stop him by grabbing his coat, but failed.

Detective sergeant Scott Machin, from North Kent Police Station, said: "It is concerning that the burglar was brazen enough to simply walk into the house, take what he could find, and walk out again.

"Luckily the victim was not hurt but she was very shaken at this invasion of her home."

Police say the man, who struck at about 4.45pm on Saturday, January 16, was white, slim, 5ft 10in and about 19 years old. He was clean shaven, had short black hair and wore a black jacket and dark trousers.

The house was at the Darent Valley Hospital end of Princes Road.

If you have information call 01474 366045 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.