Gladys GibsonA COURAGEOUS pensioner with a serious lung condition took on two burglars as they stole cash and treasured heirlooms in a cowardly raid on her home.

Gladys Gibson, 77, who is permanently attached to an oxygen supply, summoned the strength to retaliate against two teenagers, who broke into her Seend home at 8pm on Sunday.

Left with bruising to her ribs and arms following the ordeal, the pensioner has spoken of her determination not to let the burglars succeed.

The two raiders bundled Mrs Gibson into an armchair after breaking into her home in The Stocks.

One intruder kept guard while the other looted a hallway desk of more than £1,000 in cash.

But brave Mrs Gibson refused to be a victim, landing a series of blows on one of the burglars.

"I punched him umpteen different times," she said.

"He pushed me back down and I said, 'you won't, I'm going to get back up', and then I punched him. They were not going to hold me down.

"I was not afraid. They threw me down in the chair three times but I kept getting up.

"I did not feel bad at all, that is really the truth. The only thing I could not do was get them out.

"I was trying to fight them to get them out so that they would leave my money alone. I stood up to them.

"I did not sleep very well that night. My 17-year-old grandson stayed with me. My grandchildren were fantastic."

The young burglar repeatedly forced the pensioner back into her chair before the pair escaped with cash, a watch, broach, and two rings, including her wedding ring from 1949.

Daughter Jane Giles, of Vincent Close, Melksham, who was in Devon at the time of the attack, said: "It's an absolute disgrace. How can anybody steal from an innocent elderly lady who has severe breathing problems?

"All I can say is that I hope they can live with their conscience. That's if they have one."

Det Con Mandy Carver, of Marlborough Police, said: "It's upset her a great deal. It's a horrible sort of crime. The lady suffers from emphysema and is constantly attached to oxygen."

Police used sniffer dogs at the scene but were unable to locate any evidence.

DC Carver said: "The dogs were very interested in hedges at the back, but unfortunately the weather on Sunday evening was atrocious."

The youths, who are not thought to be local, are being linked with a burglary in Littleton Drew last month.

Detectives are analysing a five-pound note dropped at the scene for any DNA evidence.

Police have fitted new locks on the windows and doors since the break-in.

Mrs Gibson has been flooded with wellwishers since the event.

"Everybody has been so kind. There are flowers all over the place," she said.

The youths were described as white, with one wearing a blue anorak, blue jeans, and trainers, with short dark hair and a pale complexion. Another wore a beige jacket.

A photofit is being put together by Avon and Somerset police.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have any information regarding the break-in to contact Marlborough Police on 01672 512311.