Police are appealing for help in catching a man who walked into an elderly woman's home in Wallingford, searched her bags and demanded to know where money was kept.

He left after the 72-year-old woman, who lives in St John's Road, told him no money was kept in the house.

The woman, who has asked not to be named, was left shaken and upset. Her husband had earlier noticed a man hanging round the house.

Pc Peter Semczyszyn, investigating the incident which happened at 3.15pm on December 18, said: "I am urging anyone who saw anything round that time to contact me as soon as possible."

Details of the break-in were only released by police today (Thursday). The man is described as white, between 30 and 40 years, around 5ft 9ins and slim.

He was wearing a faded navy blue zip-up jacket and grey trousers. People can call Pc Semczyszyn on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.