A 72-year-old woman has told how she was left badly bruised after trying to fight off a robber in her own home.

The pensioner, who asked not to be named, told the Herald how the man came to her door in the Braes, Saltcoats last Friday night and asked if her husband was in.

When she told him no, he replied: "I'm robbing you" and forced her into the house.

The OAP said: "I tried to throw him out but he grabbed me by the wrists. I tried to kick him but I missed.

"I wrestled with him for a bit in the porch but he was too strong. He kept saying 'give me money and I'll go away'."

The robber made off with £80 from her purse before fleeing.

The brave OAP was left shaken and bruised by the incident and police have appealed for information about the incident, whuch took place around 10.30pm.

The victim told the Herald: "I was doing my knitting when he door went. The incident only lasted a couple of minutes. He was sitting in a chair in my living room and kept repeating 'give me the money and I'll go'. When I finally did, he did leave."

"The bruising has come out now and the pain in my back has been horrendous.

"If I had known what would happened when he asked if my husband was in, I'd have said 'aye'. I hate living here and having to keep my doors locked."

Detective Sergeant Kirsty Thomson, Saltcoats CID, said: “Thankfully the lady was not injured but she has been left very shaken by the incident.

“The only description of the suspect we have at the moment is that he is white, about 5ft 4, had a local accent and was wearing dark clothing.

“Officers are currently checking CCTV however we are appealing to anyone who may have seen someone within the area at this time, or may have information that will assist our enquiry to come forward.”

Information can be passed to Saltcoats CID via 101. Please quote reference number 5148 of Friday 12 July when calling. Alternatively, information can be passed in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.