An elderly woman pinned down and robbed in her own home has described the man responsible as a "scoundrel".

Alberta Cockroft, 93, was in an armchair when the intruder flung open the door leading from her kitchen to living room and told her he was collecting money for window cleaning.

The startled pensioner, who lives in a bungalow in Lynsted, Sittingbourne, stood up to confront him - but he pushed her down and forcibly held her in place before stealing her purse out of her knitting bag beside her.

"I didn't say anything because I didn't know what he was up to - he might have had a knife or something..." - victim Alberta Cockroft

It contained around £300 plus the card she uses to draw her pension from the Post Office.

The robber then ran out the front door and up the road in the direction of Cambridge Lane.

The theft happened between 1.55pm and 2.07pm on July 16 and an efit has been released by police.

It is believed he gained access through the back door, which had been left open because of the warm weather.

Mrs Cockroft said: "I was taken by surprise. I didn't really have time to think. I didn't say anything because I didn't know what he was up to - he might have had a knife or something.

"I phoned my neighbour and she came straight round and called the police who came here in quick time.

"I think he's a scoundrel. He is of an age where he should be working for a living and earning his own money not trying to get it freely from elderly people."

She added: "I feel angry about it. Had it not been for it being a hot day the door would have been locked.

"I've lived here 44 years. It's usually quite quiet, there's not much crime along here. It did leave me shaken and scared for the first few days.

"I'd urge others to make sure their doors and windows are closed and locked even if they are at home."

The offender is described as white, with dark short hair and a "longish face". He was clean-shaven and thought to have been in his late 20s.

Detectives have released an efit of the man they want to speak to about the incident.

Anyone with any information is asked to phone Kent police on 01795 419230, quoting reference XY/021845/13, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.