AN elderly Hampshire woman used her walking stick to chase three conmen from her home.

The 85-year-old was watching television when she heard noises coming from the stairs to her first-floor maisonette in Hedge End.

When she went to investigate she saw a man at the top of the stairs who claimed he had seen someone climb in through her bedroom window.

The man then brushed past her and went into the bedroom where he opened the window.

Despite her age and vulnerability, the woman told him to get out, using her walking stick.

The man then turned to leave.

When he got to the stairs, the woman followed and saw two other men who were about to enter her property. The woman thwarted their attempts to burgle her home as all three men left together, empty-handed.

The first man is described as white, aged 18-20 wearing a dark coloured baseball cap, a dark coat and gloves.

The second was white about 30-years-old and wearing a dark coloured baseball cap and a dark coat The third was also white, with short dark hair and wearing a grey coloured suit.

Anyone with information should contact Hedge End CID on 0845 045 45 45 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.