A burglar pushed a grandmother to the ground and robbed her of £500.

Alice Sutton, 84, allowed the man, who was posing as a gardener, into her home in Staplehurst when he offered his services in exchange for £40.

He said he was inspecting the garden but as she went to collect her money from upstairs he followed without permission.

It is alleged he then pushed her to the floor, injuring her face, before stealing £500 from her purse and running off.

Alice said: "I was terrified, I didn't know who to call first. I was shaking from head to toe.

"I keep going over it in my mind. I haven't been sleeping properly since really."

The pensioner spent the night in hospital.

A GoFundMe page was set up for her by members of the community which has now raised more than £1,000.

Commenting on the fundraiser, she said: "I was surprised by it – it just goes to show there are good people around.

"I've got the chain across the door now and the money from the donations will go towards security cameras being installed at my home."

Officers are investigating the burglary which took place at the house in the Offens Drive area of Staplehurst between 1pm and 2pm on Tuesday, July 5.

The suspect is described as a large, clean shaven white man, who is around 5ft 7in. He was wearing a dark blue body warmer and an orange baseball cap.

Police are asking anyone with information on the incident to call 01622 604100 quoting reference 46/129086/22.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete its online form.

Anyone who may have CCTV footage of the suspect is also being asked to assist.