A GANG of burglars is targeting elderly people across Hampshire.

The thieves are believed to have struck at least eight times in a matter of days.

Many of the raids happened while their vulnerable victims were still in their own homes.

During one burglary an elderly woman broke her wrist after being thrown to the ground when she confronted the burglars.

A day earlier 84-year-old Rosemary Gibaud chased the gang out of her home with a broom after finding two men in her bedroom.

"I'm not easily frightened, but it is a nasty experience finding strangers in your home," she said.

The gang has escaped with hundreds of pounds and jewellery during the burglaries in Easteigh, Winchester, Chandler's Ford and Gosport.

Now, detectives have appealed for help in catching the thieves and warned pensioners to be on their guard.