A young thief sneaked into an elderly widow's home and stole her handbag as she slept in her armchair.

Victim - Alice Williams, holding a photo of her with her husband. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN (46348-1)

Alice Williams, 88, only woke up because the young raider brushed past her as he was preparing to grab her bag.

Once Mrs Williams was waking, the thief rushed out of the house taking the bag, containing £140, cards and precious personal photographs.

The bag and photographs were later recovered from a nearby car park.

Mrs Williams, who suffers from angina, said: "I think its disgraceful. If it had been someone with a weaker state of mind, I just don't know what might have happened. They could have had a heart attack."

Mrs Williams' home is part of sheltered accommodation in North Street, Walton. Her husband died three months ago and she was due to lay his ashes to rest today.

Witnesses are asked to contact Det Con Rachel Watson on 01255 677500.

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Published Thursday, November 24, 2005

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