Pensioner tied up and robbed in her Clifton home

Police said the 70-year-old woman had been led around the house by the man who demanded her jewellery, which he stuffed into a pillow case before fleeing.

South Yorkshire Police said the incident was being treated as a priority appealed the public for help catching the offender.  

The woman was outside her home on Spring Walk, Clifton, at around 4.40pm when the man, who was wearing dark clothing and had his face covered, jumped over her garden gate and walked into her house.

Det Chief Insp Steve Ashmore said: “The man claimed he was being chased, needed help and on seeing the open door of the house, walked inside. 

“Once inside, he tied the woman up using some material, described as black and white, that he had been carrying with him. 

“The man, who was also wearing gloves and is described as skinny, then subjected the woman to an extremely distressing ordeal, leading her around the house asking her where her jewellery was before tying her up. 

“He stole a large amount of jewellery from the house, before leaving the area on foot, thought to have been heading towards Nottingham Street. 

“He was using a white pillow case, taken from the woman’s house, to carry the items.

“Thankfully, the woman was able to untie herself soon after and phone the police. 

“She sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident. 

“A thorough investigation is now underway to identify the suspect and this is being treated as an absolute priority for our team. 

“Although we do believe this to be a targeted attack, I’d like to ask anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious to please get in touch with us.”

Contact police on 101 quoting incident number 810 of September 5 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.