A would-be thief told a pensioner that a child with learning difficulties was in her back garden, while his accomplice walked into her home in Abingdon.

The 87-year-old woman was kept talking at a gate at the side of her home, in Northcourt Walk, by one man while his partner-in-crime walked through her open front door.

The intruder entered the house and made his way upstairs at about noon on July 1.

But the intruder was disturbed by the pensioner's son, who discovered him in a bedroom upstairs.

A struggle ensued, but the burglar escaped.

The two men were chased by the victim's son down Northcourt Walk, across Oxford Road, and into Swinburne Road. The pair then got into a burgundy-coloured saloon car and made off.

Both men were white, about 6ft, and in their early 20s. One was stockily built. He had short dark hair and a round face. He was wearing a white T-shirt with blue trim on the shoulders.

The other man was slim with dark hair.

Anyone with information should call 01235 556888, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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