A PENSIONER who challenged a burglar who broke into her bedroom and stole cash from her home has thanked an MP for his comforting support.West Suffolk MP Richard Spring paid a special visit to comfort 87-year-old Doris Mills, from Haverhill, who is still battling to come to terms with her ordeal.

A PENSIONER who challenged a burglar who broke into her bedroom and stole cash from her home has thanked an MP for his comforting support.

West Suffolk MP Richard Spring paid a special visit to comfort 87-year-old Doris Mills, from Haverhill, who is still battling to come to terms with her ordeal.

Widow Mrs Mills found the intruder in her bedroom a fortnight ago.

He unlocked a bedroom window and got into the house while Mrs Mills was at her backdoor talking to another man who claimed to have lost his Jack Russell dog.

After hearing her pet cat Scratch becoming agitated she went to her bedroom and froze when coming face to face with the intruder.

When challenged by the pensioner the man claimed he was looking for his dog. He then brushed past Mrs Mills before grabbing £65 from her living room as he fled.

Mrs Mills has been feeling ill ever since her terrifying ordeal and claims the shock brought on a serious chest infection, for which she needed medical treatment.

Despite still be angry about what has happened to her, Mrs Mills says she is heartened by the support she has received and is grateful to Mr Spring for his help and comfort.

She said: "I am very grateful for the support Mr Spring has given me, I think it is wonderful that he has taken time out of his busy schedule to come and see me.

"Things like this really do help and I wish more people were like Mr Spring. I feel privileged that he has tried to comfort me.

"I have also had tremendous support from family and friends and the local Salvation Army, I feel so much better knowing I have got people like this around to protect me."

Although Mrs Mills is now getting her life back to normal she said will never forget her ordeal.

She said: "I have recently been out for the first time and I have just got over the chest infection. I am not in shock any more and I can sleep properly again. I have put new locks on my doors and windows, but I am still very angry, how could anyone do this to an elderly person."

Mr Spring said: "I am absolutely appalled to read about intruders entering this elderly lady's home. It must have been immensely frightening for her.

"Mrs Mills was extremely brave in the way she dealt with the intruders.

"It is down to us all to keep an eye on elderly neighbours and to assist the police in any way possible to protect them. I sincerely hope the perpetrators of this nasty crime are found quickly."

One of the conmen who struck at Mrs Mills' home on the evening of Friday, November 14, is described as tall, with blond hair. He wore dark clothing and is thought to be in his late teens. The other man was of below average height with short brown hair and wore a red and black anorak.

Anyone information to Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.