A shameless burglar told his elderly victim to lock the door behind him as he made off with £100 during a spate of burglaries in Cinderford overnight.

The thief woke the 73-year-old woman by searching her home as she slept in bed.

He demanded money from the pensioner and then took her downstairs where she handed over the cash.

The burglary happened shortly before 3am on Friday at the house in Woodville Road in Cinderford.

Police believe it is linked to a burglary at a house on the same road overnight and another at petrol station in Cinderford High Street just before midnight.

They described the offender as a young white man, with a thin face. He was wearing a blue t-shirt bearing a white logo and a cream dufflecoat with the hood over his face.

Forest Superintendent Phil Haynes said: "I want to reassure people that our officers are making a number of inquiries and looking at local CCTV to identify who did this. I'm confident we'll have this man in custody before long.

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

"As ever, we would just urge people to take the necessary security precautions, check their locks and alarm systems and keep their doors locked at night."

Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area or who has any information is urged to call police on 0845 090 1234, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident 48 of June 3.