AN Evesham pensioner was subjected to a terrifying ordeal at the hands of thieves who stole more than £400 she had been saving for Christmas presents.

The robbers told the 84-year-old that they were junkies who needed her Christmas and winter heating money for drugs.

It is the second time Isabel Brown, known as Nancy, has been targeted by thieves - 18 months ago distraction burglars struck at her Pershore Road home and made off with £500.

Following the robbery last week the great-grandmother says she is so frightened of living on her own she is considering moving, leaving behind the area which includes St Andrew's churchyard where her late husband Elwyn has been buried since 1972.

Mrs Brown's 20-minute ordeal began at 9.45pm last Wednesday, November 19. She had been dozing in bed when she was woken by the sound of the thieves smashing open her front door.

"As I went downstairs to see what the banging was about I saw them coming up the stairs to meet me. They made me sit on the stairs and told me to be quiet. One of them guarded me while the other searched the upstairs," said Nancy.

"Although they would not let me move he asked me if I was cold as I was only in my nightie. I said I was and he went and got my coat. I asked them if they were on drugs and they said they were junkies.

"They had ripped the phone out but I did not realise that until after left. One of them actually asked me where I would run to when they had gone."

The intruders then led Nancy downstairs where they ransacked her home in search of cash. "They even pulled the settee apart. I shouted at them but I cannot remember what I said. One of them put his hand over my mouth but he did not hurt me.

"I had only been paid my £300 winter fuel allowance at the Post Office the day before and that was with money I was planning to use for Christmas and to pay my rates."

Police spokesman Richard Bull said: "Mrs Brown has shown incredible courage both during and since her ordeal. We are seeking the public's help to assist us in identifying the perpetrators and bringing them to justice."

The first man was described as 5ft 8ins tall, slim, clean-shaven and wearing a bobble hat, navy blue coat and blue jeans. The second was 5ft 6ins tall, stocky build, aged approximately 30 with what appeared to be the beginning of a small goatee beard, short dark hair and wearing a navy blue coat.

Anyone with information about the theft should call police on 08457 444888 quoting incident 615S/191103.