A GANG of four “callous” robbers have pinned down a pensioner during a shocking raid on the elderly woman's homeThe teenage gang struck at the home in Writtle, near Chelmsford, while the pensioner was at home on her own.

James Hore

A GANG of four “callous” robbers have pinned down a pensioner during a shocking raid on the elderly woman's home

The teenage gang struck at the home in Writtle, near Chelmsford, while the pensioner was at home on her own.

They burst into the 86-year-old's house at about 7.20pm on Good Friday, and some of them held the woman down in a chair as others ransacked the property.

The gang stole about £1,000 of jewellery before escaping, leaving the woman traumatised.

She was taken by ambulance to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, and was kept in overnight and released yesterday.

She did not suffer any physical injuries, but was left shaken by her ordeal.

Detectives believe the gang may be planning to target other homes and have issued an urgent appeal for information to track the men.

It is thought that the teenagers had a vehicle parked close to the raid in Mayfield Road.

Det Sgt Stuart Truss said officers had been shocked by what the woman was put through.

He said: “This was a despicable crime committed on an elderly lady.

“I urge anyone with any information whatsoever to contact us so that we can prevent them committing further offences.”

The raiders are described as white and in their mid to late teens, although there is no more information about them at this stage.

It is thought the men deliberately targeted the woman because of her age.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact detectives in Chelmsford on 0300 333 44444 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.