A pensioner was beaten up when she confronted a burglar at her Gilstead home.

The woman who is in her late sixties and described as a recluse, was attacked when she went to investigate a noise in her kitchen on Saturday night.

"She was confronted by a man who had broken in and he demanded money," said Detective Inspector Gary Baker, of Keighley CID.

But when she refused her beat her and left her lying on the ground while he searched her home. The woman, a retired social worker, was today recovering in hospital but Det Insp Baker said she was still terrified by her ordeal.

"She is very frightened and still in shock. Her face is badly bruised and she had a broken sternum," he added. "It was an unprovoked attack on an innocent elderly woman.''

He said there were no weapons used and it is believed the burglar may only have escaped with some loose change.

Police are looking for a white youth who wore dark clothing.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "The woman next door heard some banging and called the police. We've heard that she was punched in the face and that they jumped on her chest. It's terrible. She was a very frail and vulnerable person and for this to happen to her is just awful. She would not have had a chance.''

"I think someone must have been watching her and thought she was an easy target. She had been broken into before.

"She has lived in this street a long time but was not very communicative. If you didn't speak to her she wouldn't speak to you.

"It's so sad. She used to go to the post office and paper shop every day. She wouldn't let anyone help though I believe a home help used to go in."

Michael Penny, proprietor of Westfield Home, Bromley Road, Bingley, said: "She was a very nice old lady who wouldn't hurt anybody.''

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