AN elderly woman was taken to hospital with a head injury after her son interrupted a burglary at her home in York.

The 87-year-old victim was at home in Victoria Court, off Leeman Road, when she was confronted by a man in her home at about 11am.

Her son, who had gone out to buy a newspaper, arrived back in time to tackle the man, who fled and cycled off, turning left out of Victoria Court.

The woman was taken to York Hospital as a precaution.

Officers are appealing for anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident and saw anything suspicious to contact them with information as soon as possible.

The man police are looking for is described as white, aged in his late 20s, around 5ft 9ins tall with a stocky build, a clean-shaven, round face and small teeth. He was wearing a grey hoode -top, dark trousers and had a scarf around his head.

He spoke with an eastern European accent and was riding an old-style, light-coloured gent’s bicycle.

Detective Inspector Shaun Page, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “We urgently need to trace this man and I would appeal to anyone who saw anyone matching his description in the area either before or after the incident to get in touch with the police straight away.”

Nothing was stolen in the incident.

It has not been confirmed how the woman suffered her injury, police said.

Anyone who can help officers with their inquiries is urged to phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, selecting option one.

If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be phoned anonymously on 0800 555 111.