COURAGEOUS pensioner Josie Newman enjoyed Christmas dinner with the police after becoming the victim of a terrifying ordeal when a callous thug assaulted her as she watched TV.

The 91-year-old “lost everything” after an intruder broke into her Malmesbury home, shoved her out of her armchair and stole her handbag containing all of her money, bankcards and jewellery.

The pensioner was left shocked at the burglary during which she injured a hand while trying to prevent the intruder from stealing her handbag. As detectives continue their inquiries into the attack Josie was cheered up when she tucked into a Christmas dinner with the town’s popular neighbourhood policeman, Sgt Martin Alvis.

Sgt Alvis, who has now left his job in Malmesbury for a post in Melksham after six-and-a-half years in the town, was delighted to take Josie for dinner on Christmas Eve.

On the Malmesbury Police Facebook site he said: “Taking a very special lady out to lunch today, Josie Newman, 91 years of age, a recent victim of crime but won’t be beaten by the lowlife that decided to help themselves of her belongings.”

Also posting a photo of himself and Josie, he said: “You are everything our community stands for.”

Students from Malmesbury School helped serve the meals at the lunch given by the town’s HEALS group that supports isolated and vulnerable local people.

A day earlier Josie had relived the moments when, at around 7pm on December 15, she was confronted with the raider at her home of 26 years.

She had locked all the doors but suspects the thief gained access through a tiny fan light at the top of a bedroom window.

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Rich Jones via 101.