AN elderly woman has been confronted by two masked robbers as she was reading a book in bed.

She tried to phone 999 for help but one of the men grabbed the phone from her hand.

However the victim managed to get out of the bedroom and make her escape from the front door of her home and raise the alarm with a neighbour.

The “cruel and cowardly crime” took place at the woman’s home in North Road, Stokesley at about 1.15am on Wednesday.

The two raiders, wearing face masks, managed to get into the house through a rear door and made their way into the bedroom after making an untidy search of other rooms.

Their victim was unhurt during the ordeal – but was left very shaken and has required medical treatment since the incident.

The two raiders escaped from the scene with £320 in cash and a number of bank cards.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Catherine Skelton said: “This is a cruel and cowardly crime which has left the elderly homeowner in a very distressed state.

“If anyone has any information which could assist the investigation, I appeal to them to come forward and share it with us.”

Police are requesting that anyone who was in the area at the time, who saw anything suspicious, or has any information which could assist the investigation to contact them.

Phone 101, select option two and ask to speak to Det Con Catherine Skelton from the Northallerton Serious Crime Team.

Alternatively email Catherine.Skelton@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555