A WOMAN in her sixties was assaulted and robbed in a home invasion in Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Police said the incident happened between 2am and 3am on Thursday, August 9, when a man entered a home in the Haywra Court area, off Haywra Street.

He assaulted the woman causing bruising to her face, and made off with wallets and mobile phones. He was white, aged 20 to 30, about 5ft 6in tall and wearing a dark, possibly green, hooded top.

Detective Constable Paul Smith, the investigating officer, said: "This is a particularly heinous crime which subjected the victim to a terrifying experience. She is being supported by the police and measures have been put in place to enhance security at the property.

"Police patrols have also been stepped up in the area to provide reassurance to the local community while enquiries continue into what appears to be an isolated but very disturbing incident. I am appealing for people to come forward with any information about suspicious activity in the area of Haywra Court at the time of the incident or in recent days."

Anyone with information should phone 101, email Paul.Smith@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference 12180147093.