CHRISTINE Turner was subjected to a terrifying ordeal when a man broke into her home and demanded cash in the middle of the night.

The thief had been searching the 73-year-old's house in Woodville Road as she slept in an upstairs bedroom.

She was woken up as the man prowled around and he asked for money before accompanying her to the ground floor where she handed over the cash.

The burglar told her to lock the door behind him as he made off with £100.

The theft happened shortly before 3am and police are linking it with another break-in at a house on the same road overnight.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said her house had also been broken into that night.

"I think he got in the house but our dog put him off and I don't think anything was taken," she said.

"It doesn't bother me, but it's a reminder to make sure your doors are locked at night and that you are safe."

Another Woodville Road resident, Norma Turner, 73, said: "It does concern me as there have been a few break-ins over the years.

"I just hope they catch whoever it was that did it."

Forest Superintendent Phil Haynes said: "Overnight house burglaries are few and far between, particularly in the Forest, and while people will be alarmed, the area remains safe."

A 39-year-old man residing in High Street, Cinderford has been arrested on suspicion of burglary in connection with the incident.

He has been placed on bail while police await the results of forensic tests.