POLICE are investigating possible links between two burglaries after an 88-year-old woman was brutally pushed to the floor in her own home.

The attack happened when two men called at the home of the elderly woman in Piggotts Orchard, Amersham, at 2pm last Thursday.

When the pensioner answered the door the men shoved her to the floor and pushed their way into the house. They then made off with £500 cash.

One of the men is described as white, aged about 25, of slim build, wearing navy blue.

A second burglary happened about ten to 20 minutes later when two men targeted a 79-year-old woman.

A man called at her address in High Street, Amersham, and distracted her at the back door while a second man entered the house through the front door. He stole a handbag containing £35 before both thieves fled down the High Street and then on to Mill Lane.

One of the burglars is described as white, in his teens, about 5ft 6in tall, of slim build with short light coloured hair. He was wearing a blue T-shirt, blue jeans and spoke with a stammer.

The second man is thought to be aged 30 or older, with a swarthy complexion, 5ft 6in, with a slim build and short hair. He was wearing a navy blue suit.

Kate Spark, spokesman for Chiltern Vale Police, said: "It is vital elderly residents remain extremely vigilant and on their guard when they receive an unexpected caller, and always be aware that when they are talking to somebody at one door, somebody else can be entering their property via another unlocked door."

Witnesses should call PC Paul Kerr or PC Lisa Everhard of Amersham Police on 01494 465888.