14272/2DISABLED grandmother Gladys Gibson who needs to be hooked up to oxygen all the time, tried to fight off teenage burglars who broke into her home in Seend.

Despite her courageous efforts the two got away with £1,500 in cash and several pieces of jewellery, including her wedding ring.

She was left with bruised wrists after her struggle with one of the youths.

Mrs Gibson, a 77-year-old widow who suffers from emphysema, was confronted by two teenagers who had broken in through her kitchen window at 8pm on Sunday.

She was watching television in her sitting room when she heard a noise and went into the hall to investigate.

One of the intruders then grabbed her and forced her back into her chair while his accomplice ransacked a hall bureau.

Mrs Gibson hit out at the youth who had hold of her and tried to get out of her chair, but he was too strong for her and he pushed her back.

She said: "I punched him again and again and tried to get out of my chair but he flung me back.

"I said to them: "Bloody well get out of my house!" They grabbed my handbag and I told them to give it back to me but they left with it and the money from my cupboard."

Mrs Gibson called 999 as soon as the youths left and despite a swift police response, and search by police dogs, they could not be tracked down.

Her 17-year-old grandson, William from Melksham, spent the night at her home after the burglary, and family friends and neighbours have visited her frequently bringing groceries and flowers.

Reflecting on her ordeal Mrs Gibson said: "I wasn't frightened, I just went for the youth who grabbed hold of me.

"I think it's dreadful what has happened to me and especially that the burglars are teenagers what are their mothers doing to allow them to do this?

"I don't think it has fully sunk in yet about what has happened, but when I walk about the house I can picture the youths."

Police have now installed secure locks on the windows and doors at her home.

Mrs Gibson has lived in Seend all her life and was a home help for over 25 years. She attends church on Sundays and goes to monthly meetings of the Mothers' Union.

DC Mandy Carver of Kennet CID described it as a despicable crime and appealed for information on the youths, who are thought to be aged between 15 and 17.

She said: "This is callousness beyond belief. To attack an elderly lady in her own home is sickening. The offenders must have known someone was in because the lights were on and the TV was on. We need to catch these offenders as soon as possible.

"I would appeal to people who may have seen a vehicle parked in Seend which perhaps looked out of place, or have seen youths spending unusually large amounts of money, to ring us."

Both youths are of slim build and have dark hair.

One had a very pale complexion and was wearing a blue anorak, blue jeans and trainers. The other wore a beige anorak.

Police said a number of distinctive tins were stolen from Mrs Gibson's home and are appealing for people to watch out for them as they could provide valuable evidence.

They include a silver tin which is about four inches long, a round black cigar tin, and two black money boxes with slits in the top and with small brass handles.

Anyone with information either on the burglary or any of the tins taken, is asked to ring Devizes CID on (01380) 722141 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Detectives are looking again at the circumstances of a burglary in Chippenham last month to see if there are any connections.